The Society of Radiographers has responded to the government's announcement that it plans to scrap the health service administrative body NHS England.
Richard Evans, CEO of the Society of Radiographers, said: “The Society of Radiographers was opposed to the 2012 reforms that resulted in the formation of NHS England. These reforms were supposedly intended to enable decisions to be made without government control. However, NHS England has only fragmented the organisation and, importantly, has not delivered improvement for patients.
“The government has said that its decision to make these reforms will reduce bureaucracy, increase efficiency and ensure better outcomes for patients.
“We need to better understand how the government will deliver change through this reversal, and how it will support the investment required in the radiography profession and in imaging and radiotherapy services in order to deliver better care for patients.
“'Money for nurses' is only the beginning – nine out of 10 NHS patients are supported by a Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiographer. But there is a chronic shortage of radiographers – the average vacancy rate for radiography is 15 per cent, which means that some departments’ vacancy rates are much higher. Demand is increasing, and the NHS simply does not have the capacity to meet it.
“In the past, the Society of Radiographers has engaged positively with NHS England. We hope that the government will preserve the productive elements of NHS England, and not throw the good out with the bad.
“However, we are keen to work with ministers to support this change, and to deliver the best possible care for patients.
“It is clear that the news about NHS England was completely unexpected, including by people that work in the organisation.
"Much of the very best and most impactful work that has been done by NHS England has been done by healthcare professionals that have developed their careers to work at a policy and advisory level. This includes radiographers.
"The news that these jobs may now be at risk must be devastating. The SoR is committed to supporting our members affected by the news and the changes that will be proposed in the coming weeks and months.”
The SoR has written to all members working in NHSE and a meeting for members is planned for Tuesday 18 March. If you haven’t received the correspondence please email [email protected].