Two Oxford hospitals have been criticised by inspectors for putting too much radioactive waste down drains.

The John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals, both in Headington, have been ordered by the Environment Agency to improve their storage and disposal procedures within three months.

Although minuscule amounts of waste are allowed to be put in drains and into the sewerage system, a recent inspection at both sites found the hospitals were breaching the discharge limit.

Environment Agency standards for storing radioactive material were also broken, while staff were criticised for not properly recording the use of certain radioactive materials.

Hospitals use radioactive products to treat patients suffering from diseases like cancer and heart disease.

They are also used for diagnosis in bone scans, heart scans and tests for kidney function.

The Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, responsible for the JR and the Churchill, is allowed to use them under licence from the Environment Agency. Inspector Paul Hughes said: "Although the risk to the public and environment is very small, the action taken against the hospitals was, nevertheless, necessary.

"The actions in the notices will ensure that the public and the environment are better protected from these radioactive subs- tances."

Although the Environment Agency does not expect the trust to be in breach after the three-month deadline, a number of actions could be taken, including prosecution, if they were late.

ORH spokesman Helen Peggs said a high number of patients being given diagnostic tests with radioactive isotopes had caused the violation.

She said although the breach was such a small amount it posed no threat to public health, the Environment Agency had advised the trust to apply for an increase in its discharge limit. The ORH is introducing a new £30,000 computer programme to monitor the use of radioactive material.

The door leading to the staff work area is now being locked at all times, not just outside working hours.

Chief executive David Highton said: "We appreciate the input and advice of the Environment Agency.

"We will continue to work closely with them to ensure that we meet their standards and address the issues they have raised."