Our story

As a former MRI and CT Superintendent Radiographer, Barbara founded MRI Safety Matters® to host training events and to develop training materials for those who work in MRI. The events provide opportunities to learn from leading experts and foster collaboration between staff and industry partners alike.

MRI Safety Matters® worked with a UK multi-professional group to help to create a not-for-profit online MRI safety programme based on the training requirements for all personnel associated with MRI equipment as set out in the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Safety guidelines for magnetic resonance imaging equipment in clinical use. The MRI safety programme modules can be found via the NHS England elfh Hub.

In 2017, MRI Safety Matters® hosted the first MRI Safety Update Day. Since then we have hosted an annual hybrid MRI Safety Update and Innovations Day event. Our next hybrid event will be held on Saturday, 31st October 2026 in the Royal College of Physicians of London venue.

In 2018, MRI Safety Matters® hosted Dr Emanuel Kanal in Edinburgh for the “Spend the Day with Dr Kanal” event and was then subsequently invited to bring Kanal’s internationally respected MR Medical Director/MR Safety Officer (MRMD/MRSO) course to the UK/Europe. Kanal’s 1st European MRMD/MRSO course was held in London in 2019 and has been running there ever since. Following demand, Kanal’s 6th European MRMD/MRSO course will be held from the 1st to 3rd June 2026.

In 2024 Barbara wrote the MRI Practitioner’s Handbook: Essential Safety and Scanning Information, a collaborative project informed by feedback from experienced professionals. The aim was to provide a resource which could help those working in the field of MRI to navigate the everyday tasks, responsibilities and challenges that working in this modality can bring. While the handbook is predominantly aimed at those who follow MHRA MRI guidance, the checklists have universal relevance for safety management, and the inclusion of QR-coded links to manufacturer sites and key safety material makes this a useful and unique resource. Updated in its 2nd print run, the author is keen to receive feedback on the handbook to keep this project collaborative as guidance and safety procedures continue to evolve.

Other projects

Infection Control

During the Covid pandemic, Barbara was involved in developing infection control recommendations for MRI units and in promoting the use and development of MR Safe facemasks. Her design for a metal free facemask enabled a company to win a Scottish Business Award for Innovation in 2021.

“Pad-safe” design for patient padding

Barbara is keen to work with scanner manufacturers to discuss development of innovative “Pad-Safe” designs for patient padding and can be contacted using the email button at the bottom of this page.

Autism-friendly MRI

Barbara is an associate member of City St George's Research Radiographer Group (CRRAG) and was part of a collaborative project led by Dr Christina Malamateniou at City, University of London, aiming to improve the MRI scanning service for autistic individuals.

Standardising Testing of Safety Knowledge

There is a need for MR practitioners to be provided with an appropriate standard of MRI safety knowledge. To test the knowledge of those tasked with MRI safety responsibilities, the American Board of MR Safety (ABMRS) have set exams. MRI Safety Matters previously hosted the first two cohorts of these exams in Europe. This enabled standardised testing of such knowledge and the creation of MRI Safety credentialed professionals.

The ABMRS now administer their exams in an electronic format. The International MRSO, MRSE and MRMD exams are available in Prometric testing centres in the UK, Ireland and Canada. For more information, please see the ABMRS website and, for some pre-reading suggestions and practical advice about sitting the International MRSO exam, created by Barbara, there’s a document that can be downloaded via the ABMRS Exams page.

Harmonisation of Incident Reporting

There are many reasons why the number and type of MRI incidents occurring is unknown and why adverse MRI safety events happen. To enable more accurate statistics and consequent solutions, Barbara is proposing a universal template for reporting MRI safety incidents.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a national coding taxonomy specifically intended for incident learning in MRI. This system is designed to enhance patient safety by providing a structured way to investigate, analyse, and learn from MRI incidents and near misses.

The national coding taxonomy provides opportunities to improve patient safety and to foster a positive MRI safety culture. It also provides the opportunity to benefit from national shared learning and data analysis, both of which are essential for proactive risk management and continuous improvement in MRI clinical practices.

If you would like to find out more, please see: User guidance - national taxonomy coding in MRI. You will find additional resources via this link: Medical Exposures Group (MEG) - Incident Learning.

Barbara Nugent

BSc (Hons), PgC (MRI), DCR(R), MRSO (MRSC™)

MRI Safety Matters® Training and Events Manager

Author of The MRI Practitioner’s Handbook