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Shortage of radiologists in Northern Ireland

Tuesday 11th April 2017
Northern Ireland is in need of a significant number of new radiologists to cope with demand for access to their expertise. Image: utah778 via iStock
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New figures reveal that hospitals in Northern Ireland are currently experiencing a significant shortage of radiologists.

While radiographers may have some transferable skills that could help out radiology departments, the expertise of radiologists is vital in aiding the recovery of cancer patients.

As a result, the Royal College of Radiologists and Northern Ireland's Health and Social Care Board are calling for more people to enter this profession, which can be incredibly rewarding when it helps to save people's lives.

The Health and Social Care Board confirmed to BBC News that around one-quarter of radiologist posts in the country are currently unfilled, meaning waiting times for vital treatment could be being delayed as a result, potentially putting patients' lives at risk. Overall, this means that around 40 positions remain vacant.

In fact, a recent report from the body showed that waiting times for breast cancer treatment to begin had "deteriorated" in recent months due to the ongoing staff shortage. The majority of Trusts are managing to start treatment for patients within the 14-day target, but only just over one-third (39 per cent) of those in some areas are meeting this.

The Royal College of Radiologists called this situation "severe", with a spokesperson telling the BBC: "This issue has been exacerbated by a combination of additional factors such as inadequate training numbers and the retirement of radiologists."

Dr Anna Gavin, director of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, added: "Radiology is a very important area for the diagnosis of many conditions, including cancer.

"If there are delays in the radiologist's workload, then we are causing a backlog of patients to be diagnosed and treated."

With this in mind, it is important that any healthcare professionals or students with an interest in this area are registering this and exploring the possibility or a career in radiology. Otherwise, the country could be left with a growing number of cancer patients but fewer people trained to administer life-saving treatment to them.

Written by Megan Smith

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