Around 1,300 extra consultant radiologists are needed in England over the coming years if the NHS is to meet the increasing demand for emergency interventional treatments, diagnostic imaging and screening, the BMA has warned.
Although Government figures on diagnostic waiting times show improvements in waiting, this level of activity cannot be sustained with the current workforce levels, the BMA commented. It pointed out that the demand for ultrasound, CT and MRI scans is increasing year on year, and with complex imaging now being required around the clock, more consultants are needed to ensure the service can be delivered more quickly and at the highest standard.
The Healthcare Commission’s report on its investigation into maternal deaths at Northwick Park Hospital recognised that there was a shortage of suitably trained interventional radiologists and recommended all obstetric units should have urgent access to this crucial emergency treatment at all times.
The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) supported the BMA’s call for consultant expansion. Dr Gill Markham, vice-president of the RCR and dean of the Faculty for Clinical Radiology, said: “Demand for scans and complex imaging is rising year on year and is set to increase even further in light of recent developments with extra patients being referred from the Government’s planned extension of the breast programme and colonic screening programme.
“We need a steady and sustained expansion in consultant numbers if we are to deliver this level of service to patients safely and to the high standards that patients deserve.”
