“In March 2020, the stop button was pressed and we were faced with a firefighting scenario.
"We learned fast and used this opportunity to shine, and we have definitely shown the wider world what we can do. Now, by hitting the reset button, we can capitalise on our achievements for the benefit of imaging and the NHS as a whole,” consultant radiographer Val Middleton, told attendees at the InHealth study evening, The Radiology Reset Button Has Been Pressed!
More than 400 delegates attended the virtual event on 17 June, sponsored by the SCoR, the InHealth Group and the BIR, which provided radiology managers, clinical directors, radiologists and radiographers from the UK and internationally, with the opportunity to share thoughts and experiences on how they can approach imaging and oncology services differently following the Covid-19 crisis, using what has been implemented successfully and bringing with them the lessons learned during the pandemic.
Dr Nick Woznitza, reporting radiographer and clinical academic, introduced the event, alongside Fodi Kyriakos, head of reporting at the InHealth Group.
An impressive line-up of speakers, included Charlotte Beardmore, SCoR director of professional policy; Sue Johnson, SCoR professional officer; consultant radiographer Val Middleton; Andy Howlett, director of diagnostics, Medicines and Pharmacy Improvement, NHS England and Improvement; and other leaders in the field of radiology and diagnostic imaging, gave their perspectives on how the service may look in the future .
Presentations focused on modelling a workforce for the future that is fit for purpose both now and in years to come; an update on the national guidance and planning strategy for imaging; how the SCoR is supporting members both pre and post registration, and its plans for future strategies; how radiology will look going forward; how Covid-19 frontline strategies will inform future planning nationally; restoring patient confidence in the NHS; and how digital solutions may hold the key to successful management of imaging in the 21st century and beyond.
Key messages
- Maximise the talent and skillset within radiography
- Attract, recruit, retain
- Investment in workforce and equipment is crucial
- Better utilisation of skills and resources
- A boom-bust approach to workforce modelling has to change
- Capitalise on digital and AI capabilities
- Use the lessons learned during the pandemic
- Listen to the patient voice
“It is so important that we face the challenges head on. Leadership will be the key to making the most of the opportunities and avoiding a disaster management scenario in future months and years. We all need to work collaboratively within the NHS and independent sectors. We will get through it if we do it together,” Fodi Kyriakos said.
A full report on the ‘Radiology Reset Button’ Has Been Pressed!’ virtual event will be published in the August issue of Synergy News.
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