MRI scans being requested in the GP’s name by Audiology (Update April 2026)

Following updates on February 1st 2026, 15th October 2025 and 17th October 2025, Morgannwg LMC has written to practices on April 14th 2026 to clarify the current situation as many practices have contacted us regarding this matter:

"Dear Practices

We are aware that many practices have received reports from Audiology containing a statement that the Local Medical Committee (LMC) as of 1 February 2026 "made the decision Audiologists should not be requesting MRI scans within the Primary Care Pathway". We wish to clarify that this statement misrepresents the LMC's position.

The LMC's objection was never that Audiologists should not request MRIs. Rather, our position — supported by formal legal advice — is that investigations must not be requested under a GP's name without that GP's knowledge or authorisation. Key points to note include:

• Medico-Legal Risk: The clinician named on a request is legally and professionally responsible for the clinical justification, follow-up, and any missed results. They will also be liable if audiology request a MRI scan when contra-indicated.

  
  

• GMC Standards: Being named as a requester for a scan you have not reviewed or authorised contravenes GMC standards regarding accountability, honesty, and integrity.

  
  

• System Failure: The current situation is a system-level failing where GPs are being forced to absorb professional risk for decisions made by others.

  
  

The LMC proposed an "opt-in" mechanism to allow a safer transition, but the HB declined this in favour of a universal approach. We have engaged legal counsel to protect your interests and are continuing to press the HB for a compliant pathway where clinical responsibility rests with the actual decision-maker. The following points should be  considered when referring:

• Audiology can and should request the MRI under the name of their own assessors. Not under another GP's name to assess unilateral hearing loss. 

  
  

• GPs can request MRIs for certain conditions including MRI auditory canal or MRI brain, with appropriate information as per clinical guidelines.

  
  

• ENT should accept a referral if an ENT issue remains - such as unilateral hearing loss. If not accepted the Practice should datix and inform the LMC.

The newly launched General Practice & HB Clinical Interface Standards 1 and 5 are very clear about the need for transparency. We advise practices to remain vigilant regarding any requests appearing in their name that they have not personally authorised.

Many thanks

Morgannwg LMC"

We have written to SBUHB outlining these points and will provide updates in due course.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.