The Society of Radiographers attended the National Imaging Programme Annual Conference 2023 last month, helping to showcase the work of the organisation.
Taking place at Cardiff City Stadium in Wales on 8 November, coinciding with World Radiography Day, the event aims to highlight the imaging work being done across Wales through exhibitions and guest lectures.
National Officer for Wales with the SoR Caroline Hurley, and Professional Officer for Education and Accreditation Dr Amy Robertson, both attended the event on behalf of the Society.
Mrs Hurley said: “What they decided to do this year with World Radiography Day, was to have a conference and showcase the work they’re doing and allow people to showcase their own work.
“They covered topics including the work currently being done by the programme, they had guest speakers from companies like Philips, talking about AI software, and our two Welsh Universities [Bangor University and Cardiff University], presented their virtual reality simulation training.
“We had the opportunity to have our own stand at the event, to raise a bit of awareness about what we’re doing at the SoR. We had a lot of people come past for a chat and some information, from radiographers, students and management teams.
“It was a really good networking opportunity.”
Dr Robertson also gave a talk during the event, offering an overview of the fourth edition of the College of Radiographers Education and Career Framework, which provides guidance for the education and career development of the radiography profession.
The National Imaging Programme Annual Conference ‘Driving Improvement Across Imaging in Wales’ event was hosted by the NHS Wales National Imaging Programme, and aimed to showcase the work being done across radiology departments in Wales, and to offer updates on national and regional initiatives.
As part of the event, a number of professionals from across imaging were nominated for the ‘Imaging Star’ award for their work.
Winners included radiographic assistant Practitioner Nichola Jones and radiographer Niall McAweaney both from Wrexham, and Sonographer Wendy Cooper from Powys Teaching Health Board.
Mrs Hurley said: “One of the main things that stood out to me was the stars of radiography. What the organisers decided to do was acknowledge people within the workforce that had gone above and beyond. They were nominated for different things, whether it be the fact that they were conscientious and they did a lot of work supporting patients, others because they developed some workstream within their organisation, from a mix of private sector and public sector.
She added: “What I think SoR members should take away from it would have been the speakers.
“We had some very good speakers on some very interesting topics. Two of their colleagues did a presentation on developing a pathway for cancer patients - they developed a patient liaison role, and this individual will deal with the patient directly, and liaise with the relevant consultants and teams to reduce delays in their diagnostic and treatment pathway.”