The SCoR’s newly published Census of the Radiotherapy Radiographic Workforce in the UK, 2016document reveals the true number of therapeutic radiographers in the NHS and private sector.
The report also shows current vacancy rates, plots the expected number of future retirements and fluctuations in the workforce, as well as identifying general trends.
Responses from every provider of radiotherapy in the UK, both in the NHS and private sector, were received whilst compiling the report, making it a comprehensive picture of the workforce.
Some of the main findings include:
- There are a total of 3226 whole time equivalent therapeutic radiographers working in the UK.
- The workforce has grown by 13% between 2012-2016.
- The vacancy rate for therapeutic radiographers is 6.2% across the NHS and private sector, down from 7.3% in 2014.
Spencer Goodman, Professional Officer for Radiotherapy at the Society, commented: “It is a pleasure to publish the results of the annual radiotherapy radiographic workforce census.
“Data has kindly been provided by all radiotherapy service managers across the UK, both for the NHS and the private sector, which allows us to establish a clear picture of the current state of play.
“The results of this census are of key importance to inform the work of professional bodies, workforce planners within each UK country, commissioners and providers of radiotherapy.”