What precautions need taking when dealing with radiotherapy cases?

[Maggie1900]

I have been told by a friend that she will be dealing with people who have had radio therapy treatment in her new job.

She has to take them to and from hospital in a car and her uncle tells her that he used to work at a hospital and that there are certain rules and regulations regarding dealing with these patients.

He remembers that they should have to be given a certain time before the radio activity starts to wear off and that they should alos not travel closley to other people who have had this treatment.

My mate is concerned about other people who travel with them.

We have had relatives and friends who have had this treatment and remember that the staff told us that care should be taken after receiving therapy but it is many years since and we can't remember exactly what to do.

Can you help folk, I know you usually can.

 

Cheers,

Mags.

[JoeP]

It very much depends upon the nature of the treatment - some isotopes used give no radiation off outside the body, others may give off tiny amounts of radiation for a short time, etc.

 

It's the responsibility of the Health Physics people at the Hospital concerned to give patients, staff, volunteers and anyone else concerned guidelines. I'd suggest that your friend contacts them.

[hmr44]

I remember my mum had it when I was little, I can't remember what it was for but we couldnt hug her or go too close for a couple of weeks.

[rubydazzler]

This is news to me ... I had six weeks of radiotherapy in 1987 and no-one told me that we needed to take any precautions after it.

 

I'm worried now as my friend used to take me for the treatment daily and then we went to pick our children up from school in the same car

 

I was hugging and kissing people just as normal. I hope I've not given anyone any long term health problems