Report on radiotherapy slammed

The Society and College of Radiographers' chief executive has written to Sir Liam Donaldson condemning the radiotherapy section of the chief medical officer's recently published annual report.

Richard Evans says that the document "failed to cover fundamental reasons why the service is not operating as effectively as it should be. In the view of the Society of Radiographers, opportunities were missed to make patients and the public aware of why they are not getting the radiotherapy services that they deserve and have a right to expect."

He criticises "inadequate investment in technology, staff and training over the past 10 years" and points out that the photograph used on the front page of the radiotherapy section shows a treatment machine first brought into use more than 20 years ago.

Richard Evans says "this is a significant reason why the service is not performing. Vacancy rates remain at historically high levels, particularly amongst radiography practitioners. There has been a great deal of talk about the need to increase numbers but there is little evidence of action being taken to recruit more professionals."

The recently published report of the National Radiotherapy Advisory Group (NRAG) is not mentioned at all by Sir Liam and Richard Evans points out to the CMO that "Radiographers believe that if the NRAG recommendations are implemented in full and adequate investment is made in the service, the most significant progress will have been made in ensuring that every cancer patient receiving radiotherapy will have the most effective and safe treatment possible."

Sir Liam makes repeated comments about the need to protect patients from treatment errors. Whilst acknowledging that this has to be a goal for everyone involved in cancer care, Richard Evans says that significant points that would address this issue were not covered.

"The NRAG report, 'Radiotherapy: developing a world class service for England' identifies 'a significant gap in radiotherapy capacity (both in terms of equipment and staff)' as being a major source of risk," he says.

"Patients and the public deserve to be made aware not only of the risks but also of the work being undertaken to minimise them. Sir Liam's avoidance of mention of workforce pressures will inevitably result in cynicism about the government's intention to take action in line with the NRAG recommendations."

Chief Medical Officers' 2006 Annual Report Chapter 5 - Radiotherapy: Hidden Dangers PDF

Posted: 31/07/2007