The Society of Radiographers election for the position of vice president closed last week, with the winner due to take up this position from mid-2024.
Rachel Nolan is a qualified radiographer and sonographer with more than 30 years of experience in the profession.
Now that she has won the ballot, Ms. Nolan will serve as vice president from mid-2024 for on year, then as president-elect for one year, before finally becoming president in mid-2026.
'Shocked and excited'
Ms. Nolan said: “I was shocked and really excited. It’s a huge honour especially as it’s voted for by the members. I am proud to represent radiographers everywhere.”
She said that over the coming year she will work closely with other members of the presidential team to address issues affecting the Society and its members.
She added: “One of my aims is to ensure we have a resilient Society fit for whatever the future holds. With the recent change in government this is even more paramount, as we do not know what this will mean for ourselves and the wider NHS.
“No doubt there will be on-going discussions around pay in the coming months, which it’s essential we are part of.”
'Heard and acted upon'
Ms. Nolan's aims include promoting the profession and the people within it to ensure radiographers get the recognition they deserve.
She is also aiming to improve future workforce initiatives to combat high vacancy and attrition rates in the profession.
“In my election statement I said I’m keen to see registration for sonographers, so will work alongside SoR staff to progress this forward over the coming year.
“There are many challenges ahead within healthcare in general and I am keen to ensure that the voices of our members are heard and acted upon.”
Seats and committees
Ms. Nolan trained at the Lincolnshire School of Radiography, qualifying as a Diagnostic Radiographer in 1989. In 1993 she trained as a sonographer, completing the first PgC at Derby University.
She also sat on the BMUS safety committee contributing to the Standardisation of Ultrasound Exposure Reporting for Bio-Effects and Safety Studies, as well as on the Diagnostic Imaging Advisory group for six years, initially as vice chair and now as UK Council representative.
The UK Council of the Society of Radiographers is the Board of Directors and the governing Executive Committee for all activities. Members of the Council are elected from the membership by other members on a regional basis.
(Image: Rachel Nolan, via Eva Slusarek)