The Radiation monitoring service was set up in 1947, originally by the University. The Personal Monitoring Service is financially independent, generating income both from within the Trust and from external sources such as the University, Fire Department, dental surgeries and veterinary practices. The Service has been operational for over 50 years and currently issues about 4,000 dosimeters per month.

Two systems of measuring personal radiation doses are provided: the common Film Badge and the thermo luminescent dosimeter (TLD) - these are particularly useful for monitoring bodily extremities. We are also researching how to make TLDs less cumbersome.

Dosimeters can be issued for use over 1 or 2 months according to the likelihood of exposure. Normal processing time is 14 days but an emergency service is available with a 24-hour turnaround. The service is approved by the Health and Safety Executive.