Lack of radiologists is significantly delaying cancer care in the UK

The UK is currently experiencing a major shortage of senior radiologists which in turn is disrupting and delaying medical care, in particular cancer care.

Between 2012 and 2017, the workload faced by radiologists in the UK has increased by 30%. Meanwhile, the number of consultant radiologist posts being filled in England has only increased by 15% during the same period. In the other UK countries, the number of consultant radiologists has not gone up at all.

The Royal College of Radiologists has explained how due to staff shortages, the NHS is having to outsource complex radiology work to private organisations or pay for staff to work overtime. This is costing the NHS around £116 million a year – a figure which has more than doubled since 2012.

The College has stated that more funding is needed to train new radiologists whilst simultaneously a greater effort is needed to try and retain staff.

Radiologists have also seen their workloads increase due to technology becoming more advanced. Interventional radiologists undertake procedures using image guidance which enables precisely targeted treatment.

Just last week, a health board in Scotland was found to have not one interventional radiologist. As a result, patients will have to be sent to a different city in order to be seen.

Amanda Cavanagh, a Medical Negligence Specialist at Ashtons Legal, says: “Radiology forms a vital part of diagnosis, preventative and ongoing treatment. Without their knowledge and expertise more avoidable incidents will occur. Surely it would be preferable to spend the £116 million into training and recruiting over the next five years as opposed to outsourcing to fill the gap.”