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

The LMC formally raised patient safety concerns regarding Audiology requesting MRI scans in the GP's name on 25th May 2025. The HB proposed to discuss this concern at a PLTS session on 16/10/25 but as previously shared the LMC were not reassured. All of the LMCs concerns remain and at the Liaison meeting this week  SBUHB have stated that they are unable to commission a service which:

1. Complies with GMC guidance, 

   • GMC: "Delegating tasks or responsibilities appropriately" states that "You must give clear instructions when delegating, including about what needs to be done, by whom and by when". The LMC believe that this is breeched by allowing a test/MRI to be organised on your behalf.

2. Addresses the medico-legal risks GPs take on when another individual requests an investigation in their name

   • eg patients with metal in their head being inappropriately scanned

3. Doesn't breach the All Wales Communication Standards between General Medical Practitioners and secondary care 

   • section 2 "Results of investigations remain the responsibility of the requesting clinician,

   • section 3 "It is the responsibility of the requesting doctor to arrange for investigations to be carried out."  

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The HB have currently not been able to discuss with ENT colleagues about a formal review. For this reason the LMC are unable to support the current pathway as per the concerns cited above.

Next steps

Any referral updates from audiology stating that an MRI is required should be declined. This will mean that the patient will be referred back to the GP for the GP to refer to ENT directly. This may increase work levels but HB employees using an external contractor's name (Practice based GP) to request diagnostic tests is not safe. 

We will of course continue to encourage that the HB facilitate a meeting with ENT colleagues to review the pathway, but we have reached a point where it is necessary to make a a clear decision about patient safety.

Any further questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.