“Grasp the challenges and work together”, was the message from Sandie Mathers, SCoR’s president-elect, who officially opened the College of Radiographers' Annual Radiotherapy Weekend today (30 January).

Sandie praised the radiotherapy community and highlighted the diverse work that is being led by therapeutic radiographers through the NRIG subgroups.

“It is very heartening to see that the leaders of theses groups are therapeutic radiographers – who better to implement change than those who know the service and its workforce? The goals of these groups are many. Nothing will be achieved without a huge amount of hard work and effort by all those working within them and those supporting them. And they will need your help!

“I am sure there will be much debate as to how services and work practices may change and adapt to meet the aims. It will be challenging, but the challenge is good. It makes us think, it can move us forward. But not without much questioning – should we stay the same? Should we change? What difference can we make?

“All this soul searching should be encouraged, but always remember – you are the professionals. No one knows your job or the tasks you perform as well as you. You are the experts in your field, so raise your voices, make yourselves heard.”


Sandie told the audience that they must move forwards by continuing to listen to their patients, work with them and be their advocate. She continued: “Ask any radiographer – diagnostic or therapeutic – why the chose their profession and the majority of them will say ‘to work with people and help them.’ You see patients every day of their treatment. You have the knowledge of what is happening to them, and you know if there are better ways of working to increase their quality of care and alleviate their problems.”

Sandie concluded her address by challenging the radiotherapy community to grasp the challenges they face, and “work together to provide a world-class service” for patients, no matter where they are in the UK.

Check back for all the action from the College of Radiograpers' Annual Radiotherapy Weekend.

Posted: 30/01/2010