The Society of Radiographers (SoR) remains steadfast in its campaign to achieve statutory regulation for sonographers. Ongoing discussions are being held with key stakeholders, including the NHS, Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Recently, the PSA conducted a call for evidence on the risks associated with professionals listed on their accredited voluntary register, which includes the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT). The SoR provided substantial feedback to this review.
On 22 August, the PSA published its findings, stating, “In the case of Sonographers, our Accreditation Panel also determined that the risks appear sufficiently high, and potential impacts on patient safety sufficiently great, to recommend that the four UK governments should consider whether accredited registration provides sufficient assurance or whether additional regulatory oversight might be needed.”
In light of these findings, the SoR will seek meetings with the PSA and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to discuss next steps. The SoR will also collaborate with other organisations to explore all available options for ensuring that sonographers are appropriately regulated, enhancing patient safety across the UK.