‘Significant gap in radiotherapy capacity’ says government report

A huge increase in demand for radiotherapy services could mean unprecedented role development opportunities for radiographers, says the Society.

A long awaited report into radiotherapy services in England has identified a 63 per cent gap, both in terms of equipment and staff, and warns that the position is set to worsen as cancer incidence increases over the next 10 years.

Charlotte Beardmore, SCoR professional officer, hopes that the Government’s recognition of the need for a dramatic increase in capacity will have a positive outcome for the workforce. “Radiographers and other members of the team will have to work differently to use their skills more fully across the patient pathway,” she said.

“We expect to see some major investment into education and training, particularly to support new roles at advanced and consultant levels of practice.”

Launching the National Radiotherapy Advisory Group (NRAG) report, Mike Richards, national cancer director, announced that ministers have already committed £5 million of capital funding to support novel training facilities recommended in the report.

“They have also asked that I take the broader recommendations into account as I develop the Cancer Reform Strategy,” he said.

The SoR is working with members on a number of guidance documents to support implementation of the career progression framework locally.

01/06/2007