The Society of Radiographers has released the newest edition of its Principles of Safe Staffing for Radiography Leaders document.
Following the first version released in May 2015, the updated document outlines principles that must be adhered to when considering safe staffing models for radiography and oncology services, as well as clinical imaging.
It also includes information on the legal obligations of safe staffing, professional requirements, examples of safe staffing models and operational matters.
Readers are also asked to consider issues such as sick leave, skills variety and equipment age when looking at safe staffing options.
Enhanced experiences for staff and patients
Claire Donaldson, superintendent radiographer at NHS Tayside in Scotland, said the document would aid in creating safer workplaces for staff and an improved service for patients.
"I welcome this updated document to support radiology leaders with their work on establishing principles of safe staffing in their departments," she said.
"As the document identifies, workforce planning is an essential part of delivering a safe and effective service and I hope that the document's comprehensive approach will prove useful for leaders facing ever increasing pressures."
The 28-page document, released this week, also outlines the legal considerations, professional obligations and also the key principles contained in the newly relaunched Quality Standard for Imaging.
According to the new guidance, staffing levels are dependent on multiple factors including the skills mix across the patient pathway, amount and complexity of equipment, number, and type (condition) of patients, types of procedures and activities, number of students or trainees, and the opening/operational hours of a service.
It also states that there is no simple formula for staffing levels, but that managers and decision-makers can use the document to help make informed decisions.
Read the full document here.
Other policy and guidance documents issued by the Society and College of Radiographers are available from the Society and College of Radiographers policy and guidance document library.