The Chancellor’s announcement in the Autumn Statement to cut NHS student bursaries has been sharply criticised by the Society.
“It reveals a lack of understanding of the depth of the workforce crisis in the NHS,” commented Richard Evans, the SCoR’s chief executive officer.
“Independent studies such as the recent Cancer Research UK report show that years of neglect have affected workforce planning and led to shortages in diagnostic imaging services,” Richard continued.
“The failure to keep up with demand is already being felt and a coherent programme is urgently required to increase the number of professionals being trained.
“This is not the time to disrupt the workforce supply, but that is exactly what will result from the removal of training bursaries.”