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Synergy News ISSN 1741-4245 • www.sor.org May 2021 THROUGH A NEW LENS Students raise the profile of radiography, page 7 2 6 NEW EDITOR-IN-CHIEF UK ROUND-UP OF WE WELCOME THREE HOW RADIOGRAPHERS FOR RADIOGRAPHY om : PAY CHANGES FOR NEW OFFICERS ARE LEADING ON The Student Ro JOURNAL fe Space Session RADIOGRAPHERS TO THE SOCIETY DIGITAL CHANGE Sa Page 3 Page 5 Page 9 Pages 15-17
2 CONTACTS SYNERGY NEWS THE SOCIETY OF RADIOGRAPHERS Editorial Colin Cooper, Natasha Abramson 207 Providence Square, Mill Street, London SE1 2EW editorial@synergymagazine.co.uk Commercial Tel: 020 7740 7200 • Email: info@sor.org Display advertising Daniel Greenaway daniel.greenaway@haymarket.com tel 07540 371347 If you require advice or assistance with an industrial relations or health and safety issue, please contact your Recruitment Michael Scowen workplace IR or H&S representative. Alternatively, get in touch with your regional officer. If you are not sure michael.scowen@haymarket.com tel 020 8267 4083 which regional officer covers your place of employment, go to the regions section in the members’ area of Short courses and study days www.sor.org or telephone Vicky Andrews on 020 7740 7234. Sam Irvine sam.irvine@haymarket.com tel 07990 510974 To contact Richard Evans, chief executive officer, email richarde@sor.org or telephone 020 7740 7202. Haymarket Business Media, Bridge House, 69 London Road, Twickenham TW1 3SP For the full SoR staff listing, visit www.sor.org/about-us/sor-staff. COUNCIL OFFICERS PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT OFFICERS President Chief executive officer Haymarket is certified by BSI to Chris Kalinka MSc DRI DCR(R) Richard Evans OBE HDCR Spencer Goodman MSc PgDIp FHEA environmental standard ISO14001 and chris.kalinka@wales.nhs.uk richarde@sor.org DCR (T) energy management standard ISO5001. Executive secretary spencerg@sor.org President elect Liz Robinson Claire Donaldson BSc (Hons) lizr@sor.org Gill Harrison MSc DMU PFHEA PgC L&T claire.donaldson@nhs.scot in HE, DCR(R) Dip CH P (MT) Director of finance and operations gillh@sor.org Vice-president Dilip Manek Ross McGhee dilipm@sor.org Lynda Johnson MSc DCR(R) ross.mcghee@ggc.scot.nhs.uk lyndaj@sor.org Director of industrial strategy PEFC Certified PEF Chair of council/ and member relations Dean Rogers Sue Johnson MA PgC BSc (Hons) DCR(R) This product is from sustainably This from immediate past president deanr@sor.org suej@sor.org managed forests and controlled sources man con Gill Hodges DCR(T) gill.hodges@belfasttrust.hscni.net Director of professional policy Dorothy Keane FCR,PGD,DCR(R) PEFC/16-33-197 PEFC/16-33-1007 www.pefc.org PEFC/16-33-1007 ww Charlotte Beardmore FCR MBA dorothyk@sor.org NORTHERN IRELAND BSc (Hons) DCR(R) and (T) Cora Regan BSc (Hons) (R) charlotteb@sor.org Alex Lipton PGD (MRI), DCR, PGC PEFC Certified PEF DISCLAIMER cora.regan@northerntrust.hscni.net alexl@sor.org Professional and educational manager © The Society of Radiographers This product is from sustainably 2021 This from Dr Rachel Harris D Clin Res, Unless otherwise indicated, managed views forests andexpressed man SCOTLAND Maria Murray MPhil, CRadP, MSRP, controlled sources are those of the editorial staff, contributors con MSc, PgD, PgCCE, DCR (T) Claire Donaldson BSc (Hons) rachelh@sor.org fHEA, DCR(T) and correspondents. PEFC/16-33-1007 They are not necessarilyPEFC/16-33-1007 www.pefc.org ww claire.donaldson@nhs.scot mariam@sor.org the views of The Society of Radiographers, Finance manager its officers, or Council. The publication of Ross McGhee Ian Hadlow Dr Tracy O’Regan DProf MSc PgCTLCP an advertisement does not imply that a PEF ross.mcghee@ggc.scot.nhs.uk ih@sor.org BSc (Hons) product is recommended by The Society. This Material may only be reproduced by prior Sharon Stewart DCR (R) BSc (Hons) tracyo@sor.org from External relations, marketing arrangement and with due acknowledgement man con Health Studies MSc MRI and communications manager Nigel Thomson MSc, TDCR, DMU, Cert Ed to Synergy News. con PEFC/16-33-1007 ww s.l.stewart@gcu.ac.uk Jessica Reid nigelt@sor.org WALES jessicar@sor.org Michelle Tyler Chris Kalinka MSc DRI DCR(R) michellet@sor.org MEMBERSHIP DETAILS chris.kalinka@wales.nhs.uk REGIONAL OFFICERS Eastern Jacquie Vallis MA PgDip BSc(Hons) Subscription rates for the Gareth Thomas Elaine Brooks 2020-21 subscription year thomasg19@cardiff.ac.uk elaineb@sor.org jacquiev@sor.org • Ordinary and associated professionals ENGLAND London Student support officer (interim) (non-radiographers) £285 Eastern Jennie Bremner Nichola Jamison • Reduced rate £198 Sue Webb BSc (Hons) jennieb@sor.org students@sor.org • International £135 susan.webb@meht.nhs.uk Midlands • Accredited assistant Richard Pembridge Conference and events manager practitioner £132 London richardp@sor.org Claire Brown • Radiographic assistant £87 Vassilios Nevrides BSc (Hons) claireb@sor.org • Retired (not working) £66 vnevrides@nhs.net Northern Ireland • Student (year 1 free) £45 Leandre Archer MSc BSc (Hons) Knowledge manager Midlands leandrea@sor.org The Society’s subscription year extends Eugene Statnikov MSc from 1 October 2020 to 30 September David Pilborough BA BSc (Hons) Northern, Yorkshire and North Trent eugenes@sor.org 2021. Payments can be made by monthly david.pilborough@nhs.net Helen Wickham direct debit instalments or by an annual helenw@sor.org Membership services manager payment by debit/credit card for the full North West Joel Wilkins membership fee. Thomas Welton BSc (Hons) North West Marie Lloyd joelw@sor.org bigradtom@gmail.com Membership payments may be suspended marie.lloyd@sor.org during maternity/paternity and adoption Northern Health and safety officer leave. Email Joel Wilkins or telephone the Sarah Burn BSc (Hons) (R) Scotland Ian Cloke membership department for more details. Yvonne Stewart ianc@sor.org sarah.burn4@nhs.net yvonnes@sor.org Contact Joel Wilkins joelw@sor.org South East Industrial relations manager tel 020 7740 7228 South East Vacant Robin Bickerton BSc (Hons) (R) Marie Bullough MA DCR(R) robin.bickerton@ouh.nhs.uk marieb@sor.org If you would like to opt out of receiving postal copies of this journal and would South West South West prefer to read it online, please contact Katie Thompson Peter Higgs membership@sor.org. katie.thompson11@nhs.net peterh@sor.org The Society operates a Political Fund and Wales members are can opt out at any time by Yorks/North Trent Kevin Tucker DCR(R) visiting https://www.sor.org/sor-political-fund Helen Adamson kevint@sor.org and logging in with their membership details. helen.adamson@midyorks.nhs.uk MAY 2021 sor.org
3 New editor-in-chief appointed to Radiography journal The SCoR is thrilled to announce associate dean. He is a university SCoR President Chris Kalinka the appointment of Dr Jonathan fellow in teaching and academic welcomed him in a letter confirming McNulty as editor-in-chief of the development and his research the post: ‘We are truly delighted to Society’s prestigious international interests include healthcare have your considerable expertise, journal Radiography. education research, optimisation, impressive editorial experience Dr McNulty will shadow the neuroimaging and forensic imaging. and forward-thinking approach. current editor-in-chief, Professor From your role as EFRS President, Julie Nightingale, for six months International research we have seen first-hand your before taking up the three-year Dr McNulty has delivered more ability to work collaboratively post in January. than 150 conference presentations, and strategically when reaching He will work with the Council contributed to more than 80 journal important goals. of the Society of Radiographers, articles and has held significant Dr Jonathan McNulty the trustees of the College of national and international research Excellent work Radiographers and the publisher, grants. He is former chairman ‘All of the above means the future Elsevier, to set out a vision and of the Erasmus Radiography of the Radiography journal is in to working with Jonathan and the strategy for the journal for its next Group, a consortium of 16 very safe hands. We know that you team in our handover period and publishing term. academic institutions from across will continue the excellent work wish him every success.’ Dr McNulty is the associate Europe, and former chairman of Professor Julie Nightingale to Nejc Mekiš, a member of the professor/associate dean for of the Radiographers’ Scientific ensure the journal provides the journal’s editorial board from the graduate taught studies in the Subcommittee for European highest quality, peer-reviewed University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, School of Medicine, University Congress of Radiology. content, and best meets the said: ‘This is excellent news. I College Dublin, where he also He was elected to the board educational and research needs of want to congratulate Jonathan coordinates the BSc (Hons) of the European Federation of the profession.’ on being selected for such a diagnostic radiography (graduate Radiographer Societies (EFRS), Professor Nightingale said: significant and essential role. entry) programme. He was head of representing more than 110,000 ‘Jonathan has extensive experience ‘Radiography is one of the subject radiography (2016-2019) radiographers across Europe, in and his international expertise and best journals for radiographers and has also coordinated the November 2014. He was President contacts gained through his roles in the world. It is an essential BSc radiography programme. from 2017 to 2021. within the EFRS will be helpful in journal and I don’t doubt this Dr McNulty oversees 60 Dr McNulty is currently driving our journal forwards into the will continue in the future with postgraduate programmes as associate editor of Radiography. next phase. I am looking forward Jonathan as editor-in-chief.’ ‘It is essential we actively engage with the evidence base’ It is an honour to be trusted with the role with them as editor-in-chief, along with the We can do this as students looking toward of editor-in-chief of Radiography. For the Elsevier team, led by the executive publisher, entering our profession and we should continue past six years, I have been an associate Cathi O’Hara, and the team at the Society and to do this until the end of our professional editor of the journal and it has been great to College of Radiographers. careers. The Radiography journal is one of the see the growth during this period in terms It will be important to make sure that the main vehicles to facilitate this and it is, therefore, of the quality and number of submissions; strategy for Radiography is aligned with the new of significant importance to our profession as the efficacy and quality of the peer review SCoR research strategy and also looks to the a whole. process; contributions from authors and research strategy of the EFRS. I am humbled by the messages from reviewers from a growing number of around the world that I have received since the countries; efforts to better engage with Important contributions announcement of my appointment, and I look the profession; our readership; our journal As a profession, whether we work in medical forward to working for our profession, metrics; and of the profile of our journal. imaging or radiation therapy, in clinical practice, and radiographers around the academia or in industry, it is essential that we world, in this role. Strong teams in place are actively engaged with the evidence base We have a strong leadership team, editorial underpinning our profession. We can do this Dr Jonathan McNulty, board and International Advisory Group in place through contributing to research as researchers, incoming editor-in-chief, for the journal, and I look forward to working authors, reviewers, or critical readers. Radiography sor.org MAY 2021
4 Help build the recommending a complete as part of the Radiate series of overhaul of imaging services radiography wellbeing events. in England, major investment You can watch the full recording next AHP strategy in equipment and the planned at www.sor.org/radiate. recruitment of 4,000 more radiographers. To register your interest in the The AHPs Listen online AHPs Listen project, visit for England workshop is a safe and anonymous space. It is designed to be similar to a physical https://ahpslisten.org/en/signUp workshop but more flexible and RADIOGRAPHERS will soon areas made more than 4,000 inclusive to gather honest views be able to take part in a national contributions to the project. from everyone involved. crowdsourcing exercise to help They described what was You can join from any computer develop the next five-year strategy important to them in how they or mobile device and visit as for NHS England. receive help with their health many times as you like, 24 hours The AHPs Listen project is and social care, how AHPs can a day, seven days a week. Users being led by Janice St. John- support them to stay well and can read, rate and comment upon Matthews, the first radiographer how technology might help in the ideas of others. to be appointed clinical fellow to the future. Janice was speaking at a the chief allied health professions Janice said the strategy webinar organised by the SoR Janice St. John-Matthews officer (England). development project was unique Radiographers will be able in seeking the views of the public to join the online conversation first, and she was now looking between 10 and 24 May and forward to hearing from fellow share their views to inform the radiographers among the AHP AHPs into Action strategy, which community. will be implemented from 2022. ‘We need to be in this space. The topics for discussion were I really want to hear the voice formed from the analysis of a from radiography. We do so many first conversation with citizens brilliant things in the profession in March, alongside key health but we do not often shout about and social care strategies and them,’ Janice said. policies. The strategy comes at a More than 1,000 people significant time for the profession, from more than 500 postcode with the Richards report Look closely to spot both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers in the illustration SoR backs poster campaign on NHS pay THE SOCIETY of Radiographers Scotland announced that NHS joined a public poster campaign workers would receive a 4% last month in support of a proper increase. Northern Ireland has pay rise for NHS workers in also given £2,000 ‘thank you’ England. payments to students and £500 Fourteen health unions across to healthcare workers, while the country asked households Wales has offered all staff a £735 to colour in or create their own bonus (see opposite page). bright posters to display in their Meanwhile, there are more than windows on 1 April. 100,000 vacant NHS posts and four out of 10 NHS workers are Special designs receiving a state benefit while The Society had a special feeling burnt out, demoralised and selection of radiography-themed underpaid during the pandemic, posters created for people to according to the campaign. Radiography posters download and colour in. Other ways to support the to colour and display The move followed the campaign include writing to government in England your MP and you can also tweet recommending a pay rise of only your support using the hashtag 1% for 2021-22, while in March #WithNHSstaff. MAY 2021 sor.org
5 SoR consults members year of significant pressure for staff. This follows Scotland’s £500 ‘thank you’ payment for on Scotland’s 4% pay offer health and social care workers. The offer is in stark contrast to the UK government’s submission to the NHS Pay Review Body, THE SOCIETY of The government advises that it which provided for a £250 Radiographers is consulting is underwriting the offer from its uplift for staff earning less than members working in Scotland current funds. £24,000 and 1% for all other on a pay offer that the Scottish Pay talks were intense and NHS Agenda for Change staff. government has said would Staff Side considered this was Dean Rogers, SoR director ensure staff on pay bands 1 to 7 the best offer it could achieve of industrial strategy and would receive at least a 4% pay via negotiation, which is why member relations said: ‘I want rise compared with 2020/21. all health unions will now be to congratulate the trade union Staff who earned less than consulting with their members. side leaders in Scotland – £25,000 in 2020/21 would The SoR began emailing links including SoR national officer receive a guaranteed minimum to members working in the NHS Yvonne Stewart, who was part increase of more than £1,000 in in Scotland from 16 April. of the negotiation team – for 2021/22, the government said. Once you have received the forcing the issue when they This means that staff on the link to the SoR’s consultation, saw an opportunity to get some lowest Agenda for Change pay you should follow the instructions concession ahead of the point would receive a 5.4% and submit your response. If you Scottish elections. increase. Those on the highest have not received a link to the pay points would receive uplifts consultation, please contact ‘The offer is a ‘The offer is a reasonable one and we will now be consulting of £800. the industrial relations team at reasonable one fully with Scottish members over The Scottish government made tuir@sor.org. its final pay offer to Agenda for While pay increases are and we will now be the detail during the coming weeks’. Change employees on 24 March, usually effective from 1 April, the consulting fully with having chosen not to participate 2021/22 pay settlement will be in the UK Pay Review Body backdated to 1 December 2020 our members’ What do you think? Email your comments to process. in recognition of an exceptional Dean Rogers editorial@synergymagazine.co.uk SoR welcomes £735 bonus Final reforms to Agenda for for ‘courageous’ staff in Wales Change pay STRUCTURAL REFORM of all THE SoR has warmly welcomed bonus payment in recognition of pay bands was completed on the Welsh government’s pay the work being carried out in the 1 April and each pay band has a bonus, announced on 17 March. face of a pandemic and national two- or three-pay-step structure. The bonus will be worth £735 emergency. The pay structure is and will be given to all health Kevin Tucker, SoR national underpinned by the Job and social care staff. It also officer for Wales, said: Evaluation Scheme, which recognises the work of students, ‘We challenged the Welsh enables employers to determine who came forward to work on government to show the whole which pay band a post should the front line. Private contractor country that the actions of our sit in and the pay progression staff working in the NHS are also NHS Wales workforce is much arrangements. It ensures staff included in the same award. appreciated, not just through have the appropriate knowledge The bonus means staff on the ‘Staff have been applause but in action by and skills to carry out their roles. basic rate of tax will receive a committing to give a “Wales There has not yet been an payment of approximately £500 courageous in bonus” to NHS staff. announcement on NHS pay rates after deductions. tackling the virus’ ‘Staff have continued to be for 2021/22. The Secretary of The move comes after courageous in their efforts in State for Health and Social Care significant lobbying from all of Kevin Tucker tackling the virus and supporting issued a remit to the NHS Pay the 14 trade unions representing Covid patients. This has been Review Body on 18 December NHS staff across Wales, unions challenged Vaughan delivered against a backdrop of outlining his expectation that the including the SoR. Gething, Member of the Senedd staffing shortfalls, with unfilled report would be completed by In January, with the national for Cardiff South and Pennard. vacant posts across all job roles May 2021. The government will government in Westminster still The call was for a significant and placing enormous pressure on make its announcement on pay failing to seriously engage, Welsh early pay rise, combined with a the NHS workforce.’ following the report’s publication. sor.org MAY 2021
6 Radiography census highlights staff bravery amid workforce shortages BETWEEN NOVEMBER 2020 and January 2021, the College Census facts and figures of Radiographers carried out • The average number of diagnostic radiography a census of the diagnostic establishment staff by whole-time equivalent (WTE) per radiography workforce in the UK. respondent is 109.1. The objectives were to establish the size, structure, nature and • Of the 62 respondents, 57 (92%) report vacant posts in the vacancy rate of the workforce as diagnostic radiography workforce. part of an annual survey to inform future policy development. • The average current UK vacancy rate across respondents was Sixty-five providers of medical 10.5% at the census date of 1 November 2020. imaging responded to an online • The rate varies by UK country, with England at 10%, Northern questionnaire. This was at a time Ireland at 7.1% and Scotland at 8%. No responses were when imaging services were received from providers in Wales this year. making inroads into the backlog • The average three-month vacancy rate across all respondents of imaging referrals from the is 6.6%. first wave of the pandemic and were facing the prospect of a ‘I would personally • On average, respondents in NHS England report that 1.7 posts second surge. like to thank all are apprenticeships (by headcount). SCoR President Chris Kalinka said the pandemic had highlighted members of the • By headcount, 12% of practitioners at the respondents’ organisations are in advanced practice. the vital role that imaging services radiographic play in healthcare services and the need for a well resourced and well workforce alluding to the physical and mental workforce for your bravery, care, balanced imaging workforce. for your bravery, impact on staff. strength, professionalism and He said: ‘A few respondents ‘Once again, we would like to stoicism during the ongoing took the opportunity to comment care, strength, thank our service managers for pandemic.’ on the increased workload and professionalism submitting figures for the 2020 impact from Covid-19 on services diagnostic workforce census. To download the full report, and staff, expressing praise for and stoicism’ I would personally like to thank Diagnostic Radiography Workforce their responsiveness but also Chris Kalinka all members of the radiographic UK Census 2020, visit www.sor.org SoR officer tackles ultrasound row on Radio 4 Save the date GILL HARRISON, SoR the equally important issues for professional officer for The National sonographers, including: ultrasound, has spoken on • Risk to other patients, such BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour about the #butnotmaternity as cancer patients. • Preparing the patient for the Conference campaigners’ demands that scan and cleaning the room for Radiology partners be allowed into after each patient. obstetric scans. • Focusing on the ultrasound Managers 2021 During the interview, Gill spoke to report any finding about the many clinical demands accurately, which could and poor physical conditions have life-changing effects. 11-13 May Gill Harrison sonographers have to deal • The health of sonographers with while conducting complex and their families and how Covid-19 as well as abuse from 6pm-8.15pm examinations under Covid-19 contracting Covid could angry partners in hospitals and restrictions. affect them. on social media. She acknowledged the The invitation to speak on To register your importance of having partners Woman’s Hour followed months You can listen to Gill’s interview interest, visit and support people present, of controversy and increasingly on the BBC website. Search for the and the efforts being made to low morale among sonographers 21 March edition of Woman’s Hour sor.org/news achieve that, but made clear facing the daily impact of and listen from 30 minutes in. MAY 2021 sor.org
7 Revealing the world of radiography Radiography students create a virtual careers fair to promote the profession at its best All images Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Ismat Khan (centre) with students from the University of Cumbria RADIOGRAPHY students have provided a unique insight to the world of medical imaging by creating a virtual careers workshop for prospective recruits. Inside Out is an outreach project to raise the profile of diagnostic radiography, led by Ismat Khan, a third-year diagnostic radiography student at Chest X-ray demonstration Neve Johnson and Erin Wilson (L-R) Shaheeen Cassamoai and the University of Cumbria. Rebecca Dryland (L-R) Ismat came up with the idea early last year after winning a are experiencing a virtual careers different aspects of diagnostic just so much in this role,’ she place on the Student Leadership fair. When the website goes live radiography, discussing their own explained. Programme, known as the we will send it out to schools and student journeys into the degree Ismat said her clinical tutor, #150leaders scheme, run by the also plan some actual in-person and their progression since Thomas Welton, and her Council of Deans of Health. sessions at the university.’ embarking on the course. leadership coach, SoR officer Gill The project went through In partnership with the Harrison, had been instrumental several format changes over the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Variety of work in enabling her to complete the year due to Covid-19 restrictions, Blended Learning Team, Ismat Ismat’s aim was to show all project during the pandemic. finally coming to fruition in March led and directed the filming day aspects of radiography from the ‘I could not have done it without as a series of filmed workshop- with Catherine Lamoon, the inside out and to raise awareness them,’ she said. ‘Now I would like like sessions that will now be trust’s medical photographer/ of the huge variety of work within to make it a national resource that collated as an online module. videographer. the profession. is shared with other universities. Ismat said: ‘Hopefully it will all They worked with three groups ‘There is so much evolution I’d like it to be something that the come together like an e-learning of up to four student volunteers, going on and no limit to what you next students coming through can module, which will feel as if you who were filmed presenting can do. It’s so exciting, there’s take forward.’ sor.org MAY 2021
8 New pressure to prioritise good ventilation FOLLOWING THE government’s provided in cramped, airless, All health and safety reps latest coronavirus slogan ‘Hands, windowless rooms.’ are encouraged to raise the HSE examples of face, space and fresh air’, Ian continued: ‘It has been a HSE report at trust and board good practice the SoR and other unions are long-running and inconvenient consultation level to make sure pressing NHS trusts and boards truth for trusts. Some are the issue is recognised as the • Maxillofacial department in to do more to make sure these now acting and we’re seeing priority it needs to be. the outpatient department principles apply in workplaces at encouraging signs of progress engaged a ventilation the Covid-19 frontline. but we are also hearing reports What the HSE says contractor to assess air A recent Health and Safety of others still trying to avoid their The HSE report makes a changes in each treatment Executive (HSE) inspection found responsibilities to staff number of recommendations room. It implemented a serious problems and made and patients. for where good practice could system to ensure rooms with recommendations that trusts and be improved, including a the greatest number of air boards should be prioritising. particular focus on ventilation. changes were used for AGPs In particular, the HSE’s website ‘There should The importance of good because their clearance time states: ‘The priority for your be no excuse or ventilation in the workplace was was shorter. risk assessment is to identify clearly highlighted in the HSE’s areas of your workplace that are hiding place for inspections (see box). • Modifications carried out to a usually occupied and are poorly employers who Examples where improvement ventilation system to increase ventilated. You should prioritise was required included: airflow in theatres and ICU. those areas for improvement refuse to address • Ventilation not being to reduce the risk of aerosol this problem’ considered when the risk • Ventilation checked regularly transmission.’ Ian Cloke assessment was carried out. including velocity, dilution and Ian Cloke, SoR national health • A room repurposed as a rest dwell times. and safety officer, said the new facility without windows or other government advice applied ‘Any employer arguing the means of ventilation. • Survey of all mechanically everywhere, including – and government’s advice is aimed • Non-clinical rooms identified ventilated wards to identify especially – in workplaces. at households needs to accept with no forced/mechanical any issues and rebalance the ‘Long before Covid, our health the time for excuses is over. One ventilation and windows secured ventilation systems. and safety reps were raising of the positives from Covid-19 shut. concerns about poor ventilation,’ has to be good ventilation being • Areas where AGPs were • Management regularly he said. ‘In old buildings this can given the priority it deserves. carried out where the clearance communicated the need to be a real problem but it’s also After the HSE report there should time was not available. open windows to introduce happening in so-called hi-tech be no excuse or hiding place for • Not all opportunities to fresh air into areas without newer hospitals, where many employers who refuse to address open doors and windows mechanical ventilation. screening services are being the problem.’ being taken. RadTalk podcast promotes therapeutic radiography NAMAN JULKA-ANDERSON and Jodie just taking a step back and reviewing Thompson, two therapeutic radiographers, different aspects of our profession helps set up the RadTalk: Making Waves podcast remind you of what you can achieve to create conversation and share views on as a therapeutic radiographer and as a key issues. Launched in November 2019, healthcare professional.’ topics have so far included improving Next steps include expanding to other patient-centred care, raising awareness of platforms such as YouTube, adding the profession and CPD. visuals and subtitles and monetising Naman said: ‘The podcast was something the content to allow for ‘investment into we thought could be accessible to whoever the podcast and charitable causes in Jodie Thompson wanted to learn more about therapeutic therapeutic radiography’. radiography. Promoting the profession was a Naman is an ambassador for charities key part of our idea.’ Action Radiotherapy and 5K Your Way. The bulk of the listeners are from the UK, US, Canada and Australia, and one of the You can catch up on their latest podcasts benefits has been the networking. by searching for RadTalk: Making Waves at ‘Meeting professionals within radiotherapy souncloud.com. Follow the team on to discuss exciting work and ideas has Twitter @radtalkMW and Instagram at Naman been motivating,’ said Naman. ‘Sometimes radtalkmakingwaves Julka-Anderson MAY 2021 sor.org
9 A big welcome to three new members of the SoR team The Society of Radiographers is pleased to announce the appointment of three officers, who took up their roles in April Caroline Hurley Rhys Martin Nichola Jamison National officer for Wales Health and safety policy officer Students and new Caroline Hurley joins as one of our national Rhys Martin, our new health and safety professionals officer officers for Wales in a job-share position policy officer, comes to the SoR from Nichola Jamison becomes students and with Kevin Tucker. Of her background, Unison, where he was a regional organiser. new professionals officer after holding the Caroline says: ‘I graduated from Cardiff Before Unison, Rhys spent seven-and-a- role of interim student support officer since School of Medicine with a BSc (Hons) half years at the National Education Union last August. A therapeutic radiographer, in diagnostic radiography and imaging (formerly The Association of Teachers and Nichola is also the immediate past in June 2004. On graduating, I worked Lecturers) as an organiser. In that role he chairperson of the SoR UK Student at Morriston Hospital in Swansea for helped set up the first eastern regional Representative Forum and an alumna of just under two years before travelling to organising team for ATL and undertook the Council of Deans of Health student Gibraltar and working as a radiographer at rep training, recruitment, campaigns, rep leadership programme. St Bernard’s Hospital for 18 months. mentoring and branch support. Before graduating from Ulster University ‘I returned to Wales and worked as in 2020, she served as academic a locum for four months at Llandough representative for the School of Health Hospital in Cardiff before taking a full- ‘I’ve heard great things Sciences and was President/founder of time role at Morriston Hospital as a senior and was impressed with Ulster University Radiography Society. radiographer, where I continue to work Outside university, Nichola contributed to today. I have experience in plain film, the vision for the union’ the drafting of the NI Cancer Strategy and nuclear medicine, CT, DSA and, most The first part of his career was as a was also a member of the Northern Ireland recently, cardiac radiography. civil servant, where Rhys was elected Healthcare Leadership Forum. ‘I have been a local SoR industrial as a lead health and safety rep for the relations representative for almost seven Public and Commercial Services Union She believes strongly in years and have attended the level 1 and (PCS) covering all London courts. He 2 reps courses organised by the SoR was subsequently elected to the group improving engagement and the employment law away day. I am executive committee of the PCS. and wellbeing for students passionate about equality and fairness in Rhys says: ‘I’m thrilled and thankful to the workplace and hope to continue being be given the opportunity to join the Society Nichola’s parents, professional foster an advocate for this in my new role. of Radiographers as health and safety carers, instilled a passion in her for ‘I am a fluent Welsh speaker, having policy officer. I’ve heard many great things pastoral care. She is a mental health been raised in a bilingual household in about the union, its staff and members and first-aider and threads this training through a small welsh-speaking village outside was impressed with vision for the union each aspect of her practice. Swansea. I live with my husband and two going forward. I look forward to focusing Nichola believes strongly in improving dogs in South Wales.’ on my union passion of health and safety. engagement, experience and wellbeing for ‘I am also looking foward to supporting the student workforce, while encouraging ‘I am passionate about our representatives to ensure workplaces leadership in all she meets. are safe, providing training in the face of When not at work, she can usually be equality and fairness new legislation and creating campaigns found in her local Mourne Mountains in in the workplace’ that resonate with our membership.’ County Down with her three children. All three positions sit within our Trade Union and Industrial Relations (TUIR) team. sor.org MAY 2021
10 Groundbreaking CPD module makes MRI training accessible A PIONEERING postgraduate Dr Stuart Mackay, the ‘There will be a these modules aim to arm CPD module is aiming to turn university’s senior lecturer and radiographers new to cross- radiographers with minimal head of programme (diagnostic massive need for sectional imaging with the skills knowledge of MRI into valuable radiography), said the course more radiographers needed for a first post.’ members of the team in just had resulted from a new region- The module is worth 30 CPD 15 weeks. wide approach to the educational with higher-level credits and participants must be The University of Liverpool needs of the workforce. CT and MRI skills’ able to spend the equivalent of course is a mix of online and ‘We realised the workforce of 10 weeks in a designated MRI face-to-face learning designed to the next five to 10 years will need Dr Stuart Mackay department. fit around the busy working lives to be better equipped in CT and The theory is delivered in of radiographers. A similar course MRI due to workforce changes develop the courses in a way that an initial three-day block at the in CT is planned for 2022. and strategic needs. CT and MRI responded to needs of radiology university, followed by three The first module starts in scanning is going to increase and services. hours a week of online teaching September, taking participants there will be a massive need for She said: ‘As CT and MRI sessions, both live and recorded. through MRI safety, physics, more radiographers with higher- are not taught in depth at scanner technology, anatomy level CT and MRI skills than they undergraduate level – and training To find out more about MRI and CT and pathology, commonly currently have,’ he said. new staff cross-sectional imaging modules, email helen.anderson@ encountered clinical techniques, Clinical lead radiographer in the clinical environment from liverpool.ac.uk or s.mackay@ workflow in an MRI department Helen Anderson was seconded scratch can be very challenging liverpool.ac.uk. To apply, email and caring for patients. to the team in February to help due to clinical pressures – allans@liverpool.ac.uk Radiographers needed for Therapeutic radiographer wins breast screening recovery doctoral research fellowship THERAPEUTIC radiographer Matt Beasley has been awarded a Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship from Health Education Choja/E+/via Getty Images England/National Institute of Health Research (HEE/NIHR). The fellowship will provide him with the funding to undertake a PhD by research while continuing to develop his professional and clinical practice at Leeds Cancer Centre. Matt Beasley THE NHS Breast Screening hours to support the recovery of Starting in July, Matt will work Programme was hit hard by services in London. closely with the clinical and 2015. He gained an HEE/NIHR the Covid-19 pandemic, with In addition to competitive pay radiotherapy research teams at Bridging Award in 2019, which the additional safety measures rates, staff will be supported the centre and the University of enables non-medics to build on reducing service capacity and with accommodation and travel Leeds. He will address whether previous academic training to creating a backlog. costs if they live outside London. it is possible to increase the develop a fellowship proposal. The London Breast Screening The programme will also offer accuracy of liver stereotactic Matt believes the bridging Recovery Programme was support to renew lapsed HCPC ablative body radiotherapy by scheme was instrumental to created to enable different areas registrations. improving the visualisation of the success of his fellowship to work collaboratively to develop normal and abnormal tissues application in that it provided and implement innovative ways of To find out more, read the full in the upper-abdomen, using funding for time, courses and working to support the recovery. story online at www.sor.org/ imaging and motion management patient and public involvement to The programme is keen to hear news. To apply, complete the form techniques in ways clinically support his proposal. from members with training in at https://forms.office.com/r/ acceptable and practicable radiography, experience in breast yRcVAu6Fw9. To discuss in more to patients. For further information on the screening or mammography, who detail, email Yvonne Damanhuri at Matt completed his MSc in HEE/NIHR awards, visit are able to offer flexible or fixed y.damanhuri1@nhs.net radiotherapy and oncology in www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr MAY 2021 sor.org
11 Introducing our RePAIR Champions IN EARLY March, the Society of Radiographers welcomed Nicky Hutton and Mandy Tuckey as UK Council RePAIR Champions on a six-month secondment. vacancies: By working on this project, funded by Health Education apply by 12 May England (HEE), they are playing a key role in mapping and implementing the SoR MEMBERS are advised recommendations from the that the opportunity to apply to Reducing Pre-registration become a regional representative Attrition and Improving Retention to UK Council has arisen as the (RePAIR) programme through following Council members will the 11 England Operational Nicky Hutton Mandy Tuckey complete their term of office Delivery Networks. on 9 July: Nicky works as a clinical team leader and treatment the relevance of the RePAIR welcome Nicky and Mandy, who • Chris Kalinka for Wales delivery advanced practitioner findings to the new models of pre- are both experienced therapeutic • Vas Nevrides for London at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre registration education and training radiographers, to lead this • Ross McGhee for Scotland in Liverpool. She is seconded to being implemented in therapeutic exciting project.’ • Tom Welton for North West the Society on Wednesdays and radiography, with reference to the Most recently, Nicky and Thursdays each week. innovation required as a result of Mandy produced a survey for All four are planning to stand Mandy is the programme lead the impact of Covid-19. radiotherapy education and for re-election. Nominations are and admissions tutor for the BSc Charlotte Beardmore, SCoR clinical education leads to sought for a three-year term, (Hons) radiotherapy and oncology director of professional policy, understand what is important in starting on 9 July, for the above course at the University of the said: ‘It is pleasing that the their practice area in relation to regions. To represent a region, you West of England’s Faculty of Society has received funding from the 15 recommendations from the must be from that region and your Health and Life Sciences. She is HEE to support this important RePAIR project. membership must be up to date. seconded to the Society every work, which follows the national They are now collating the If you are a member from one Thursday and Friday. RePAIR programme, funded responses to help them inform of the named regions and would They are responsible for by HEE. discussions with advocacy like to apply, please contact the identifying good practice, seeking ‘The project offers an groups, professional bodies and executive secretary, Liz Robinson, out opportunities, identifying opportunity to learn and share HEE, and will be publishing the to request a nomination pack. challenges and developing online the good practice across anonymised results soon. resources together with our key the radiotherapy networks in Please email lizr@sor.org or stakeholders. order to support and grow the If you have any questions about their telephone 020 7740 7236. Completed In particular, Mandy and Nicky expansion of the therapeutic work, you can contact Nicky and nomination forms must be returned will be looking to understand radiography workforce. We Mandy at repair@sor.org by email by 12 May. Research grants available Have your say on a national on the role of the radiographer NHS uniform for England THE ROLE of the radiographer Priority will be given to projects AN NHS consultation is open and use the buying power of the in patient care is the theme of that meet the theme but others to gather views on a new NHS by delivering cost savings’. research grants now available will be considered. The deadline standardised national healthcare UK Council representatives from the International Society of for applications is 30 July. uniform for England. Tom Welton and Sue Webb were Radiographers and Radiological Decisions on the awarding of The National Healthcare involved in the NHS Supply Chain Technologists (ISRRT). funding will be announced by late Uniform – Workforce Consultation project meetings, taking part in an One-year and two-year grants October. wants to know the benefits of initial survey with results that fed worth up to £1,500 a year are The ISRRT represents more a single uniform and the best into the wider consultation. offered for projects that help than 65 member countries. style and fit. Wales and Scotland The consultation closes at improve the standards of delivery already have national uniforms. 5pm on 31 May. and practice in either or both To find out more and download an The new uniform has been medical imaging and therapeutic application form, visit the ISRRT proposed by NHS Supply Chain To complete the survey, visit radiography. website at www.isrrt.org/guidlines ‘to offer a strong national identity bit.ly/nhsuniform sor.org MAY 2021
12 New imaging strategy launches in Northern Ireland FOLLOWING THE publication sit on the board. She said its sustained delivery of imaging of the Department of Health’s formation was an important step services.’ Strategic Imaging Framework towards ensuring that imaging Leandre added: ‘I would hope in Northern Ireland, a Strategic services are safe, effective and as the SoR representative to Imaging Board has been sustainable in the long term. be the voice for our members, set up to implement the 19 ‘There is a considerable ensuring that glass ceilings recommendations. requirement for both the are dismantled and that The strategic framework aims transformation and rebuilding radiographers in Northern Ireland to further modernise imaging of services in line with the are empowered to increase their services over the next 10 years Delivering Together 2026 skills and expertise. to ensure that Northern Ireland agenda and following the ‘Radiographers are ready, ‘Radiographers continues to deliver high-quality Covid-19 pandemic. willing and able to provide the are ready, willing healthcare services and stays ‘Advancing the skills of the solutions to waiting lists and at the forefront of technological workforce, introducing new ways barriers to patient flow through the and able to provide advances. of working and the integration system. By being represented at the solutions’ The SoR’s national officer for of new technologies and this strategic level, I hope they will Northern Ireland, Leandre Archer, equipment will need to take be given more opportunities to Leandre Archer has welcomed an invitation to centre stage to ensure the showcase their unique potential.’ Members’ pensions briefing: 31 March 2021 The following is a briefing for all SoR members, a choice of the benefits afforded in either the In both these examples, early guidance, outlining the government’s proposed remedy for 2015 or CARE scheme for the period between interpretation and provisional application of the the discrimination identified in the CARE NHS 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2022. This is remedy are being sought to prevent further risk pension scheme as a result of the McCloud known as the ‘remedy period’. The choice of discrimination. judgment. comes at the point of retirement. Anyone in this position is asked to email This will be a single choice between taking TUIR@sor.org, marking the email PENSION This advice will impact directly upon the all of the benefits in one scheme or the other – SCHEME REMEDY ISSUE. Please provide majority of SoR members. there will be no mixing or matching. your name, trust/board, contact details and a From 1 April 2022, all future pension benefits short explanation of the concern and any urgent It will also be of particularly immediate concern will be based solely on the CARE scheme. All timings and someone will contact you as soon to members (and their representatives) who: past pension benefits accrued remain safe but as possible to offer support. future benefits will all be linked to the CARE • Are looking to retire imminently, scheme – with a choice for the period between Covid-19 returners including those currently applying for ill-health 2015 and 2022. Those who had retired and returned to the early retirement. NHS during Covid-19 saw some of the pension • Have recently returned to the NHS. Immediate complex cases scheme regulations relaxed to support a return For most people, this will be a reasonably during the crisis. These changes remain in The SoR is engaged with the 14 NHS unions, clear process. However, because of the need place but the unions have been told it remains and directly as part of the Scheme Advisory to secure primary legislation to implement the the intention that these relaxations will at some Board (SAB), in how these remedies are remedy, it is not easily possible to apply the point be removed. implemented and communicated. We expect remedy immediately when someone is in the However, we have no clear indication of when joint communications to be available as soon process of retiring or has recently retired. this is intended to happen. Any members in this as is practical – probably later this summer. We The government currently estimates that position, who would want to continue in service are currently planning how we can support this some who have retired or are retiring at present supporting radiography for longer than the roll-out. The delay is, in part, due to some of the will not get to exercise this choice until October pandemic, are also asked to contact the SoR ‘how to implement’ remedies not being clear or 2023 – therefore introducing additional directly via TUIR@sor.org and marking their ready as yet. This briefing aims to provide as elements of back payment and/or adjustment emails PENSION RETURNEE SUPPORT. much clarity as possible at this point and that will need to be calculated and explained in to alert those with particularly imminent the choice exercise. concerns to contact the SoR. The position is especially complex for those who have or are seeking ill-health early Remedy summary retirement in the remedy period or where Dean Rogers, director of industrial strategy The government has decided that all qualifying their choice is especially guided by the and member relations and member of the members of the pension scheme will have impact upon dependents. NHS Pension Scheme Advisory Board MAY 2021 sor.org
13 OPINION Send your letters and articles to editorial@synergymagazine.co.uk Radiography is a fascinating and varied career. Enjoy the ride! Experienced radiographers Emily Faircloth and Donna Holdcroft respond to students’ concerns about their future career prospects YOU’RE ENTERING a of working with others to share Promotion adolescent mental health services profession with wide-ranging best practice, write online learning I developed public-speaking (CAMHS). This is a complex area possibilities. Our life and work content and research the role of and presentation skills through and it has also led me to explore often take us in unexpected radiographers in care, quality, speaking about radiography the psychological impact of trauma directions. For me, having a career clinical settings and forensic practice at training events and and moral injury on radiographers. plan was a bit like having a birth investigation. conferences. My advice is simple, keep plan before the arrival of my doing what you’re doing: asking daughter: great to have but, when Forensic imaging Medico-legal casework questions, considering your the time came, what happened Six months after qualification, I From my experience as a forensic options. Be led by what you’re looked nothing like the plan! was asked to attend the mortuary radiographer, I was invited by inspired by and you’ll discover Diagnostic radiography as a to X-ray an unknown body. At that the SCoR to develop report your own contribution as a career suits the both creative time, forensic radiography didn’t writing and courtroom skills as an radiographer. As you begin a and analytically minded. I remain exist as a specialty. I was fortunate expert witness. remarkable career, be sure to amazed at both the technical or to be involved in the development enjoy the ride. clinical developments and the art of this now internationally Commissioning of diagnostic imaging. recognised field and to witness to My role now involves the oversight Emily Faircloth, CAMHS While some of the ‘politics’ the growing value of diagnostic and transformation of regional programme manager, South and misguided perceptions of the imaging in forensic investigations, health and care services, East region. Specialised profession have, at times, been a such as reuniting a family with the previously in mental health crisis Commissioning, NHS England frustration, they too are valuable unidentified deceased. and currently in children’s and and NHS Improvement lessons in working collaboratively to deliver a high-quality service. As healthcare professionals we have experienced many Don’t be deterred – this is an amazing career changes. My career has flowed I would like to comment on the article by first-year student Chris in interesting directions, taking Gibson in last month’s Synergy News (pictured), who was told me across the UK and the that a radiography career would be ‘boring’. I have heard similar world, working with extraordinary stories from my students and it makes me so sad. people, within and outside of the I have had an amazing career as a radiographer with so many radiology department and hospital wonderful experiences. I have had the opportunity to work in the environment. It has included: NHS and the private sector, in the medical devices industry and now academia. I have laughed, cried, worked with elite athletes Clinical practice and film stars, travelled the world with expenses paid and even Early on I chose to specialise in starred in a film as a sonographer! trauma and dental radiography I fear these comments reflect low morale due to pay and after an impulsive decision to conditions. However, I would like to reassure all students that apply for a job at the Royal they have chosen an amazing career with many pathways to Date: 18.Mar 2021 16:15:1 4 London Hospital, a specialist Donna Holdcroft follow. Keep positive and look forward to the day 11 trauma/training site. This turned you qualify – the world will be your oyster. I refuse to acce career will be Share your pt a radiography views ‘boring’ ‘Thank you for out to be one of my best I don’t regret a single day of my working life speaking about First-year student these issues – Chris Gibson diagnostic radiograp responds to the it takes courage’ hy is just doing charge that ‘a lot of routine Sonographer scans’ Anna Madar’s article, ‘We cannot allow obstetric ultrasound to become entertainment and would recommend radiography to anyone. ‘YOU WILL decisions, with many happy (Synergy News, ’ get bored doing this.’ Six words March), that have drew huge support stuck with me each time? This from since my first is especially colleagues on placement block. social media. They were true in my experience These are a few said to me by I’ve seen some – already of the a radiographer very comments she received. when we were discussing the use of the equipmentintuitive day-to-day of images required to get the the job. Their without putting ‘Well done Anna. point was that a patient in undue Well written the job boils piece. In my 18 down to a lot discomfort years as a of routine scans. or stress. Literally, sonographer I memories and invaluable lessons. Their meaning working have never was that once creatively around seen morale so I have passed the patient low.’ the point of where needed. being a student Second, one ‘It’s radiographer thing a minefield… Our am in my first year) then doing (I many radiographer that team is working obs the same type s have incredibly of scans for talked to me hard to find alternative about is the patients, day breadth of the rooms but are waiting in and day out, job. Not still being would bore me, and I would find the patient interaction just harangued by patients the job dull and unstimulating modalities available but the and partners.’ Donna Holdcroft, lecturer in diagnostic I can’t remember . to work in. How different my is CT to MRI response, yet to ultrasound? ‘Very well written those words Then there are have stayed rattling the research and 100% around my opportunities accurate in my brain. Will I be bored in the ‘Words have power push the field forward. Working to opinion!’ of a diagnostic life on audits or Am I doing the radiographer ? and these have researching new methods or trialling ‘It is time this was out in the right course open and up for discussion. me? Will it all change once for shaken me a equipment. some new I feel complete empathy for completed the I’ve course? bit, so I’m going Range of skills the sonographer expressing to radiography, School of Allied Health her distress. Thank Teaching and learning Irrational worries disprove them!’ All of that is without considering speaking of these you for At my low ebb, the ‘extras’, such issues, when I am as getting it takes courage.’ tired and fried Chris Gibson from lectures, involved in the assignments SoR or with and general universities to ‘Well done Anna, ‘stuff’, I worry life help students good to have about progress, being you teaching the irrational – nothing this. It’s giving skills seminars a mentor or of the future for sonographers in what I to help us.’ have been doing with ‘Hello my people like me so far has name is…’ knows to become left a shred of this. So, to tell better at positioning. ‘Beautifully put doubt that my a first-year by a previous Professions, Keele University change in career student that they As a lecturer and practice from science will be bored So yes, those colleague about teaching was words bothered ultrasound the right move. in their chosen me but justifiably and sonographers career is, to and, while I ! Couldn’t However, words a bit careless. me, understand where have power agree more with and these have they come her fears shaken me a It also flies against from, I disagree. for the profession bit, so I’m going the Like all jobs in moving idea of healthcare healthcare, there forwards.’ to disprove being may be routine them for my patient-centre moments in radiography own wellbeing! d and all the First, let’s deal study of dealing can never be but it with the fact with patients’ called boring. Last month’s that all healthcare psychosocial workers needs, which opinion know the power spent a semester I’ve Chris Gibson writer of words and reading up is a first-year educator, I discovered the value how they can on. How can diagnostic radiography Anna Madar, affect someone. the procedure Anyone who boring if you be at Canterbury student clinical has met a patient are meeting and Christ Church specialist dealing with University and a new individual a member of sonographer sor.org the SoR Student Forum and lecturer APRIL 2021 sor.org MAY 2021
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