WELSH RADIOGRAPHER ELECTED TO TOP UK HEALTHCARE POST

A diagnostic radiographer who works in the x-ray department at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, has been elected President of a leading healthcare profession.

Jackie Hughes is the new head of the Society and College of Radiographers, which represents some 25,000 members across the UK, many of whom work in the National Health Service.

More than half of patients who go to an accident and emergency department will see a diagnostic radiographer like Jackie. Medical teams need images so that they can ‘see’ exactly what they are dealing with.

Jackie has always shown an interest in the well-being of colleagues and has been actively involved with many campaigns to improve the pay and conditions of NHS staff.

In her current role, Jackie supports the people in her profession. She first became a health and safety representative and then the industrial relations rep. She is also the staffside chair and is involved in partnership working with senior manages to ensure that terms and conditions are applied correctly.

Jackie has also been active at national level for many years as a member of both the Welsh and UK Councils of the Society and College. Her participation in recent nationwide campaigns such as public sector pension reform and changes to the NHS, have served her well in preparation for her role as president.

“I am immensely proud and honoured to have been given this opportunity,” she said.

“I am really looking forward to the next 12 months as president of the Society and College. There will be a lot of challenges and opportunities which will come as a result of the recently passed Health and Social Care Act, as well as local healthboard's and trust's attempts to erode the terms and conditions of staff," she continued.

"We will face the challenges head-on and fight to ensure that we retain the NHS, as a truly national health service, free for all at the point of need.”