Date:18.Feb202116:39:08 SynergyNews ISSN 1741-4245 • www.sor.org

March 2021

RADIATE: Wellbeing for Radiographers

Caring for you, so you can care for others

We know that many of you are suffering from fatigue and burnout after the challenges of the past year. Throughout April we will be offering all members free online workshops and resources to help you look after your wellbeing, so that you can continue to care for others.

Find out more at www.sor.org/radiate

SCOR OFFICER TO MANCHESTER SIGNS OPINION: MATERNITY HIGHLIGHTS FROM LEAD EUROPEAN £125M DEAL FOR SCANS ARE NOT THIS YEAR’S RADIOGRAPHERS IMAGING KIT ENTERTAINMENT STUDENT FESTIVAL

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CONTACTS SYNERGY NEWS THE SOCIETY OF RADIOGRAPHERS Editorial Colin Cooper, Natasha Abramson 207 Providence Square, Mill Street, SE1 2EW [email protected] Commercial Tel: 020 7740 7200 • Email: [email protected] Display advertising Daniel Greenaway [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] tel 07990 510974

To contact Richard Evans, chief executive officer, email [email protected] 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@.nhs.uk [email protected] DCR (T) energy management standard ISO5001. [email protected] President elect Executive secretary Liz Robinson Gill Harrison MSc DMU PFHEA PgC L&T Claire Donaldson BSc (Hons) [email protected] [email protected] in HE, DCR(R) Dip CH P (MT) Director of finance and operations [email protected] Vice-president Dilip Manek Ross McGhee [email protected] Lynda Johnson MSc DCR(R) [email protected] [email protected] Director of industrial strategy PEFC Certified

Chair of council/ and member relations Sue Johnson MA PgC BSc (Hons) DCR(R) This product is Dean Rogers from sustainably immediate past president [email protected] managed forests and Gill Hodges DCR(T) [email protected] controlled sources [email protected] Director of professional policy Dorothy Keane FCR,PGD,DCR(R) PEFPEFC/16-33-197C/16-33-1007 www.pefc.org Charlotte Beardmore FCR MBA [email protected] NORTHERN BSc (Hons) DCR(R) and (T) Cora Regan BSc (Hons) (R) Alex Lipton PGD (MRI), DCR, PGC [email protected] DISCLAIMER [email protected] [email protected] © The Society of Radiographers 2021 Professional and educational manager Unless otherwise indicated, views expressed Dr Rachel Harris D Clin Res, Maria Murray MPhil, CRadP, MSRP, are those of the editorial staff, contributors Claire Donaldson BSc (Hons) MSc, PgD, PgCCE, DCR (T) fHEA, DCR(T) and correspondents. They are not necessarily [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] the views of The Society of Radiographers, Finance manager its officers, or Council. The publication of Ross McGhee Dr Tracy O’Regan DProf MSc PgCTLCP an advertisement does not imply that a Ian Hadlow [email protected] BSc (Hons) product is recommended by The Society. [email protected] Material may only be reproduced by prior Sharon Stewart DCR (R) BSc (Hons) [email protected] External relations, marketing arrangement and with due acknowledgement Health Studies MSc MRI and communications manager Nigel Thomson MSc, TDCR, DMU, Cert Ed to Synergy News. [email protected] Jessica Reid [email protected] [email protected] WALES Michelle Tyler Chris Kalinka MSc DRI DCR(R) [email protected] MEMBERSHIP DETAILS [email protected] 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 [email protected] [email protected] QSI quality partner • Ordinary and associated professionals London (non-radiographers) £285 Eastern Jennie Bremner Vacant • Reduced rate £198 Sue Webb BSc (Hons) [email protected] • International £135 [email protected] Conference and events manager • Accredited assistant Midlands Claire Brown Richard Pembridge practitioner £132 London [email protected] [email protected] • Radiographic assistant £87 Vassilios Nevrides BSc (Hons) • Retired (not working) £66 [email protected] Knowledge manager • Student (year 1 free) £45 Leandre Archer MSc BSc (Hons) Eugene Statnikov MSc The Society’s subscription year extends Midlands [email protected] [email protected] David Pilborough BA BSc (Hons) from 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2021. Payments can be made by monthly [email protected] Northern, Yorkshire and North Trent Membership services manager Helen Wickham direct debit instalments or by an annual Joel Wilkins North West [email protected] payment by debit/credit card for the full [email protected] membership fee. Thomas Welton BSc (Hons) North West [email protected] Marie Lloyd Health and safety officer Membership payments may be suspended [email protected] Ian Cloke during maternity/paternity and adoption Northern leave. Email Joel Wilkins or telephone the Sarah Burn BSc (Hons) (R) Scotland [email protected] membership department for more details. [email protected] Yvonne Stewart Industrial relations manager Contact Joel Wilkins [email protected] [email protected] Vacant South East tel 020 7740 7228 Robin Bickerton BSc (Hons) (R) South East [email protected] Marie Bullough MA DCR(R) If you would like to opt out of receiving [email protected] postal copies of this journal and would South West prefer to read it online, please contact South West [email protected]. Katie Thompson Peter Higgs [email protected] [email protected] The Society operates a Political Fund and Yorks/North Trent members are can opt out at any time by Wales visiting https://www.sor.org/sor-political-fund Helen Adamson Kevin Tucker DCR(R) and logging in with their membership details. [email protected] [email protected] MARCH 2021 sor.org Date:18.Feb202116:39:18

3 Charlotte Beardmore to lead European radiography federation

CHARLOTTE BEARDMORE, His final duty was to formally the director of professional policy hand over the Presidency to for the Society and College of Charlotte Beardmore, a past Radiographers, has been named President of the SoR. President of the European Charlotte has served on Federation of Radiography the EFRS board for a number Societies (EFRS). of years and will take on the The federation’s annual Presidency alongside her role as general meeting took place last representative for the SCoR. month. More than 70 delegates, Charlotte led the afternoon representing professional session of the AGM, presenting societies and educational bodies reports on current projects and across Europe, joined the meeting looking ahead to future work. to hear about the work of the Gareth Thomas of the ‘The motto of the EFRS is “we are stronger EFRS in 2020 and to look forward SCoR’s Council represented UK together” and this has never been more apt’ to the year ahead. radiographers at the meeting The outgoing President of while Richard Evans, CEO of the Charlotte Beardmore. President, European Federation of Radiography Societies the EFRS, Jonathan McNulty SCoR, attended as an observer of University College Dublin, national representative. great work that will shape practice in the European radiography led the first session of the Richard said: ‘The EFRS has in radiography into the future.’ and works very meeting. He celebrated the work been growing in influence within He added: ‘The SoR is a hard for our profession on the of radiographers during the Europe and internationally for prominent member of the international stage. Radiographers pandemic and presented reports 13 years. It is great to see the federation and it is great that in the UK can be very proud on the work of the federation over organisation flourishing and Charlotte is to be President this that Charlotte has been elected the past year. providing the home for so much year. She is very highly respected President of the EFRS.’ ‘Our role is critical to patient care’

I FEEL very privileged and needed to support growing this work and I’ll continue to engage in the work in shaping excited to be taking on the demand across Europe and our represent, promote and support the profession, together with role of President of the EFRS, role is critical to patient care. development of the profession – radiography education providers and I thank the radiography As a profession we must further a profession I’m very proud of – from across Europe. community across Europe for develop our skills to capitalise across medical imaging, nuclear Dr Andew England from the their support and this honour. upon the exciting technological medicine and radiotherapy. Of UK is currently chair of the The EFRS represents more opportunities emerging, importance to me is encouraging Management Team Educational than 100,000 radiographers and continue to develop our all UK radiographers to follow Wing, and is leading this work across Europe, more than 40 profession to support delivery of the work of the EFRS via Twitter for the board. The motto of national societies and more evidence-based, personalised and Facebook and to look for the EFRS is ‘we are stronger than 60 education institutions. It care for patients. The work of the opportunities to get involved. together’ and has never been collaborates with a wide number federation is key in driving this The EFRS offers affiliate more apt. I look forward to of European organisations and is forward. membership to education leading the federation through in a good position to build on the With colleagues on the board providers and it’s fantastic that this next chapter of its work. firm foundations it has in place. and the wider EFRS radiography seven UK higher education More radiographers are networks, we will continue institutions are already affiliated. Charlotte Beardmore, I’d like to encourage all UK President, the EFRS education institutions offering radiography programmes Find out more about the EFRS at to consider affiliation to the www.efrs.eu/about and affiliation EFRS and, through this, to at www.efrs.eu/educational-wing sor.org MARCH 2021 Date:18.Feb202116:39:31

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The deal in numbers 15-year partnership

£125m investment

350+ installations

200+ critical imaging systems

Oxford Road Campus, Manchester Eight hospital sites University NHS Foundation Trust Manchester signs £125m imaging equipment deal to run for 15 years

THE MANCHESTER University replacement of 222 pieces in the city’s population health plan services, increasing by 5 to NHS Foundation Trust has of critical imaging equipment, by improving health outcomes 10 per cent each year. This, announced a 15-year partnership including MRI, CT, ultrasound, and reducing variation in combined with the region’s with Siemens Healthineers X-ray, nuclear medicine, advanced healthcare delivery across Greater rapidly growing population – plus to provide critical imaging visualisation software and Manchester. the inconsistencies in health equipment to the city’s radiology mammography. Catherine Walsh, divisional outcomes – meant that a strategic departments. The service agreement, which director of imaging at the trust, imaging partnership made The partnership will cover begins this month, aims to said: ‘This is so much more perfect sense. the installation and ongoing address the challenges outlined than a transaction. It’s a 15-year ‘The partnership we have value partnership, a relationship created provides the solutions enabling us to provide the very the trust was seeking – innovative best in care delivery for the technology, a structured people of Greater Manchester. replacement plan, responsive ‘Having the peace of mind in equipment support, and a partner the provision of replacement, to help the trust provide excellent maintenance and repair of patient care continuously.’ imaging equipment, which is The partnership has been four crucial to the running of any years in the making, involving imaging service, is extremely radiographers at each stage of reassuring. the process and in developing the ‘Our trust needs the right specifications for their equipment equipment, which is modern and for each modality area. reliable with the maximum uptime Ageing equipment is one of the while being fit for purpose and urgent issues facing radiography affordable. This, in turn, enables departments, cited by the We know that many of our members are suffering from fatigue and burnout best clinical and operational Richards report for NHS England owing to the challenges of the past year. The leaders of nineteen mental health practice.’ last year, which recommended organisations have co-signed a message stating that the mental health of frontline staff during Covid-19 ‘must be a national priority’. A spokesperson for the trust that ‘all imaging equipment said the benefits of the deal older than 10 years should be To coincide with Stress Awareness Month in April, we will be offering our for radiographers would help replaced’. members free online workshops and other materials to address the specific pressures radiographers face during the pandemic and to help them look after the trust to attract and retain The government earmarked their wellbeing. staff, providing further career £325m for the NHS to invest development opportunities with in new diagnostic imaging Expect opportunities to hear from mental health experts, share positive stories, a new programme of ‘education, equipment as part of its latest move your body, support your peers, learn relaxation techniques, improve your sleep and build resilience. There will also be sessions that are just for fun, which collaboration and innovation’. spending review (Synergy News, your families are welcome to join too, and the chance to win prizes. Nancy West, head of enterprise January 2021). Chancellor Rishi services for Great Britain and Sunak said this money would be Visit the online hub to see the full programme and to book your sessions: Ireland at Siemens Healthineers, enough ‘to replace over two thirds www.sor.org/radiate said: ‘The trust faces continued of imaging equipment that is over growth in demand for its imaging 10 years old’.

MARCH 2021 sor.org Date:18.Feb202116:39:21

5 SCoR responds to plans for new NHS reforms

THE GOVERNMENT has How will the NHS change from 2022? announced plans to reform the NHS and social care, designed The white paper sets out Partnership, bringing together to cut bureaucracy and learn plans for legislation to create the NHS, local government from the lessons of the Covid-19 Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and partners. pandemic. covering all of England. ‘The ICS NHS body will The new proposals will aim There are currently 41 ICS be responsible for the day to join up health and care or strategic health partnership to day running of the ICS, services and support recovery areas across England. while the ICS Health and Care from the pandemic by stripping However, these are currently Partnership will bring together away unnecessary legislative Richard Evans not underpinned by legislation systems to support integration bureaucracy, empowering local to allow formal collaboration and develop a plan to address leaders and services, and tackling ‘We note that the between providers and the the systems’ health, public health inequalities, from 2022. Clinical Commissioning health and social care needs.’ The government said the proposals promise Groups (CCGs), which CCGs will become part of reforms would build on the to reduce some commission hospital and ICSs and the ICS NHS Body NHS Long-Term Plan proposals primary care services. in each area will take on the and a bill would be laid before of the frustrations The white paper – which commissioning functions parliament, when parliamentary and burdens forms the basis for a health bill of the CCGs. time allows, to carry the that will go through parliament proposals into law. on systems’ later this year – proposes Download the white paper, The chief executive of the Richard Evans, chief executive, SCoR ‘a statutory ICS in each ICS ‘Integration and innovation: NHS, Sir Simon Stevens, said the area … which will be made up working together to improve proposals for legislation would ‘go of an ICS NHS Body and a health and social care for all’, at with the grain of what patients and would be important to understand separate ICS Health and Care http://bit.ly/NHSwhite20 staff across the health service the detail of the proposals in the all want to see – more joined-up white paper. care, less legal bureaucracy and ‘The health and social care future,’ he commented. frustrations and burdens on a sharper focus on prevention, workforce has shown enormous ‘It is good that the innovations systems that came as a result of inequality and social care’. resilience, dedication and and lessons learned during the the last reforms in 2012. The SCoR chief executive, professionalism in response to Coronavirus emergency are ‘The SoR will look carefully Richard Evans, said major the pandemic and, of course, we reported to be behind some of at the detail in the white paper reorganisations of health and all continue to rely on each and the changes in the white paper. and we look forward to the social care carried implications every member to continue this We also note that the proposals opportunity to comment on behalf for patients and employees and it amazing effort for the foreseeable promise to reduce some of the of members and the public.’ US follows UK on patient contact shielding

THE US radiological protection Radiological Protection. It offered in some cases, friction between during abdominal and pelvic authority has followed the UK evidence-based guidance on patients demanding shielding radiography, and that federal, in ruling that patient contact why shielding was unnecessary and professionals judging it was state, and local regulations and shielding is no longer required in in most X-rays, CT scans and unnecessary or even potentially guidance should be revised to routine practice. interventional radiology. harmful. remove any actual or implied Last March, the SCoR The UK report had pointed to Now the National Council requirement for routine gonadal produced a joint report with the an increasing number of studies on Radiation Protection and shielding.’ British Institute of Radiology, that raised concerns regarding Measurements (NCRP) in the US Institute of Physics and the efficacy and effectiveness of has published a statement. Access the joint UK report at Engineering in Medicine, Public such contact shielding. It concluded: ‘NCRP now www.bir.org.uk/education-and- Health England, Royal College of This, in turn, had led to recommends that gonadal events/patient-shielding- Radiologists and the Society for inconsistency in application and, shielding not be used routinely guidance.aspx sor.org MARCH 2021 Date:18.Feb202116:39:16

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not able to be present for critical Guidance updated on support scan appointments. While this proceeds and while the pandemic measures continue, persons attending scans we have archived the document NHS Obstetric Ultrasound Examinations. Guidance on FOLLOWING THE publication Sale of Images, Fetal Sexing, of the NHS England and Commercial Considerations and NHS Improvement document Requests to Record. Supporting Pregnant Women The SoR and the British Medical Using Maternity Services During Ultrasound Society’s Covid-19 the Coronavirus Pandemic: frequently-asked-questions web

Actions for NHS Providers on es page has also been updated 14 December, the SoR archived ag to remove the links to the now y Im the joint statement ‘Obstetric tt archived joint statement (https:// ultrasound examinations during Ge covid19.sor.org/diagnostic- the Covid-19 pandemic’ on radiography-faqs/ultrasound/). 16 December. In the meantime, if a support This guidance was always person is unable to attend intended as an interim measure ultrasound examinations due to m Craigmyle/Stone/via

during the pandemic. The SoR Ji Covid-19 restrictions, we continue has worked with the RCOG, to support local decisions and RCM and NHS England and NHS was to help trusts and clinical ‘We continue to arrangements being in place for Improvement colleagues to provide departments fi nd innovative support local communicating with partners support for clinical departments solutions to enable a support and/or other family members to ensure the safe reintroduction person to be present, negating decisions and in the event of unexpected of a support person for obstetric the need to put alternative arrangements for fi ndings being detected during ultrasound examinations for arrangements in place. an ultrasound examination or departments previously unable to The SoR will begin a process communicating additional support being required. accommodate this. to develop new guidance on with partners’ To this eff ect, the SoR held a support during obstetric scanning. Notes from the 16 December joint webinar with the chief allied It will build on the best practice meeting are available at health professions officer for during the pandemic for those https://covid19.sor.org/diagnostic- England on 16 December. This times when support persons are radiography-faqs/ultrasound/

Could you be a College of • Pre-registration and postgraduate education Save the date programmes. Radiographers assessor? • Individual modules. • Short courses that confer competence. The National HIGHLY EXPERIENCED society members working in ‘We especially need those Conference clinical practice and education who have strong experience are needed to work as assessors in reporting images or running for Radiology for the College of Radiographers. reporting programmes,’ Jacquie Managers The role is to evaluate added. course submissions, education developed by education providers The benefits of becoming an 2021 providers (academic or and approved by the CoR meet assessor include the opportunity clinical departments), practice the developing needs of the to raise your personal profile placements and applications from service at all levels of practice.’ and acquire an element of non- individuals for accreditation. Applications are invited from clinical CPD as evidence for 11-13 May Jacquie Vallis, SCoR members from clinical practice accreditation. professional officer responsible and university environments, who 6pm-8.15pm for education and accreditation, would be interested in assessing: said: ‘Assessors are • Individual accreditation To find out more about the work radiographers who are leading applications for assistant of assessors, the required criteria To register your the service in their specific areas practitioners, advanced and to apply, please visit the interest, visit of practice. practitioners, consultant website at www.sor.org ‘Their work is vital to ensure practitioners and practice The deadline for applications is sor.org/news that programmes being educators. noon on Friday 26 March.

MARCH 2021 sor.org Date:18.Feb202116:39:26

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increased from just 0.2% of all breast cancer radiotherapy courses in April 2019 to 60.0% of all courses in April 2020. The switch to shorter courses of treatment was also seen for other types of cancer. For some cancer types there was a significant increase in the use of radiotherapy courses compared with the previous year. There was an increase of 143.3% in curative radiotherapy for bladder cancer and 71.3% for oesophageal cancer in May, and 36.3% for bowel cancer in April. es It is likely these timely increases ag were delivered to keep patients y Im tt safe when surgery was not Ge possible due to the pandemic. The researchers looked at the number of radiotherapy treatments stich/E+/via

Ko between February and June 2020 rk

Ma within the English NHS, taken from Public Health England’s National Radiotherapy Dataset. Covid-19 brings dramatic They compared the number of radiotherapy courses, and their length, with the same time period changes to UK radiotherapy in 2019 to look at the effects of the pandemic and lockdown. The largest reduction in SIGNIFICANT CHANGES to the a decrease in radiotherapy the number of patients being treatments was for patients aged delivery of radiotherapy cancer treatment courses of 19.9% in diagnosed with cancer. 70 and above (34.4% reduction treatments took place during April, 6.2% in May and 11.6% in The study was published in in April 2020). This likely reflects the first wave of the Coronavirus June 2020, compared with the The Lancet Oncology and is concern where patient vulnerability pandemic in England. same months the previous year. the first to assess the impact of to the risks of coronavirus Much shorter radiotherapy These decreases equated to the pandemic on radiotherapy outweighed the low risk expected courses were delivered, treatments more than 3,000 fewer courses services in England. from delaying treatment in some were delayed where it was safe to of radiotherapy being delivered A rapid change in practice settings. For example, treatment do so and some increases were between 23 March and 28 June occurred for breast cancer for prostate cancer fell by 77.0% made to compensate for reduced 2020 than would have been treatments, enabled, in part, by in April 2020 compared with the surgical capacity, according to expected. The missed courses the results of a UK trial published previous year, and treatments for new research. were likely due to postponement, as the pandemic struck. This non-melanoma skin cancer fell by The research, led by the where the risk of doing so was showed a one-week course to be 72.4% the same month. University of Leeds with Public deemed low. However, in June it just as effective as a three-week Health England and the Royal appears that the reduced number course for many patients. Access the study at https://doi. College of Radiologists, revealed of courses may reflect a fall in The use of the shorter course org/10.1016/S1470-2045(20)30743-9 Lung cancer X-ray referrals miss target

NATIONAL CANCER guidelines cause of cancer-related deaths before diagnosis with common, in the British Journal of General in England recommend that in the UK, with most patients non-specific symptoms, such as Practice, evaluated 2,102 lung patients presenting with symptoms presenting with late-stage disease a persistent cough, shortness of cancer patients in England and of possible lung cancer have a when treatment outcomes are breath and weight loss. how long they waited for a chest chest X-ray within 14 days – but largely unsuccessful. A better understanding of X-ray after first presenting to a GP only 35% of lung cancer patients GPs face a diagnostic how these guidelines are used with symptoms. are investigated in that time, challenge with lung cancer in primary care is needed to according to new research. because most patients present determine their feasibility, said the Access the research at https://doi. Lung cancer is the leading to general practice months researchers. The study, published org/10.3399/BJGP20X714077 sor.org MARCH 2021 Date:18.Feb202116:39:28

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Leandre Archer, national officer for Northern Ireland, SoR ‘This is a positive announcement from the health minister’ Leandre Archer

Archer, said: ‘This is a positive announcement from the health minister to aid our radiography students. ‘Students have had to deal with the effects of Covid-19 on their academic studies, with the vast amount of teaching having gone virtual, and on clinical placements where they have been faced with having to wear PPE and deal with Covid-19 on the frontline. ‘I would hope that this recognition payment goes some way to helping them to continue and complete their courses and become the workforce Bonus for Northern Ireland that will be so important in the future to ensure sustainability of radiography services.’ radiographers and students Nichola Jamison, SCoR interim student support officer, said: ‘This is a welcome gesture in Northern Ireland, and a positive RADIOGRAPHERS COULD sector will also be included. The gesture has been step towards recognising the receive a £500 bonus from the The automatic payment will particularly welcomed for efforts of our student workforce in Department of Health in Northern apply to radiography students recognising the work of students, challenging times. Ireland, and students up to on clinical placement between who took on ‘supernumerary ‘Students across all four £2,000, in recognition of their 1 October 2020 and 31 March clinical placements that have nations have contributed above work during the pandemic. 2021. All staff and students will contributed to the delivery of and beyond expectations during Everyone on the Business need to meet qualifying criteria. health and social care during the pandemic, and it would Service Organisation payroll – The Department of Health has the unique and unprecedented be encouraging to see similar including doctors and Agenda released FAQs on the special challenges presented by the initiatives across the rest of the for Change staff – is potentially payments (www.health-ni.gov. pandemic’. UK in due course. This is a very eligible, and staff working in uk/news/hsc-staff-recognition- The SoR national officer happy outcome for Northern primary care and the independent payment-faqs). for Northern Ireland, Leandre Ireland students!’

Radiography student Scottish students set to numbers rise in 2020 work as NHS bank staff

UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES professions on the NHS Health ALL HEALTHCARE students not affect their studies. to study for the allied health Careers website. This included in Scotland, including diagnostic Students employed as bank professions rose by 17.5 per cent a 100 per cent increase in and therapeutic radiographers, staff will have access to the same last year compared with 2019, interest in careers in diagnostic can now be employed as bank resources as other staff, including latest figures for England reveal. radiography and a 77 per cent staff for their local NHS Board. PPE, vaccinations and testing. The numbers for diagnostic and increase in interest in becoming a NHS Boards can offer a The SoR professional officer therapeutic radiography increased therapeutic radiographer. maximum of 15-hour fixed- for Scotland, Maria Murray, said: as acceptances rose in all regions Charlotte Beardmore, SCoR term contracts to students who ‘I welcome this opportunity for and for 13 of the 14 AHP subjects. director of professional policy, are able to commit once they our students and am pleased that During 2020, there was a said: ‘A big thank to the have signed up. Work is not this potential employment will not 48 per cent increase in traffic profession for all the careers guaranteed and students should impact upon their clinical learning to information about AHP promotion they are doing.’ only take up this option if it does experience.’

MARCH 2021 sor.org 9

assessments completed by staff, ‘This will ultimately reduce the HCPC pledges to record keeping and the customer number of fitness to practise service and support provided concerns, which can be stressful to those involved in fitness to for all those involved,’ it said. improve fitness to practise proceedings. It will also aim to incorporate Now the council plans to create the lessons learned from a more compassionate and Covid-19: ‘The HCPC aims to practise process empathic culture towards fitness harness the flexible and agile to practice investigations and a approach it took in responding to prevention-focused regulatory the pandemic and embed this in approach over the next five years. its day-to-day work.’ THE HEALTH and Care Its focus will be to on six key Chair of the HCPC Christine Professions Council (HCPC) has areas of work: Elliott said: ‘This is an important launched a new corporate strategy • to continuously improve moment on our journey to to help address the failings in its and innovate, becoming a high-performing fitness to practise procedures • to promote high-quality regulator. Tested by the pandemic, identified by its own regulator. professional practice, HCPC has stepped up and we The HCPC met only one of • to promote the value have played our part in protecting the five standards on fitness to of regulation, the public throughout the crisis. practise regulation in the annual • to develop insight and exert This strategy will help us to lock review by the Professional influence, in the new ways of working that Standards Authority (PSA) for • to build a resilient, healthy, we have developed and the rapid 2019/20. capable and sustainable improvements we’ve made.’ ears

The PSA said that its Sh organisation, and Fitness to practise concerns

‘longstanding concerns’ had an • to be visible, engaged and about AHPs increased from 1,653 not yet been fully addressed on Ew informed. in 2012/13 to 2,424 in 2018/19. the quality and timeliness of the ‘This strategy will The HCPC said it would More than half of the concerns HCPC’s investigations, decision- support quality practice by raised about radiographers making at all stages of the fitness help to lock in new articulating expected standards (35 out of 69) in 2018/19 did to practise process, HCPC’s ways of working’ and helping registrants overcome not meet the requirements compliance with its own policies, any barriers they face in meeting necessary to be considered by an the quality and frequency of risk Christine Elliott, HCPC chair those standards. Investigating Committee panel.

Therapeutic radiography webinar Representing raises student interest in career the imaging community A STUDENT webinar to raise the Jo said: ‘They hear the word therapeutic radiography clinical profile of therapeutic radiography “cancer” and think it’s going to be fellow, and Michelle Simon, was held on World Cancer Day a depressing job, when it couldn’t radiotherapy practice educator AN ARTICLE published in the in February, hosted by be further from the truth. It’s our and RePAIR fellow. February edition of Synergy News Jo McNamara, national aim to dispel lots of those myths Jo, Michelle and Hazel discussed the contributions of the therapeutic radiography clinical and increase people’s knowledge discussed all aspects of the SCoR and the Institute of Physics fellow and senior lecturer at of the profession.’ profession, including its history, and Engineering in Medicine Sheffield Hallam University. The hour-long webinar, entitled career opportunities, the routes while representing the imaging The aim was to explain the role The Role of a Therapeutic and roles available, and ways to community during the pandemic. and help students make informed Radiographer, featured speakers become a qualified therapeutic Collaboration with key career choices. Hazel Pennington, national radiographer. stakeholders from the imaging The webinar received 550 community has always been, and registrations and 102 people will continue to be, core work attended the live session. A live for the Society and College of poll found 87% of attendees Radiographers. had not previously heard of We do have a seat at the therapeutic radiography. table and continue to engage, One student said: ‘The best contribute and be involved in of the webinar was decision making with colleagues learning about the role and all the to support both the imaging and different types of technology and cancer workforce and service techniques that can be used in development across all of the radiotherapy.’ devolved nations. sor.org MARCH 2021 Date: 18.Feb 2021 16:39:21

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Image Interpretation CPD e-LfH in numbers renamed Clinical Imaging Almost 500 sessions

More than 61,000 as research in radiography, registered users dementia, dignity, personalising care, orthopaedics and More than 11,500 interventional procedures.’ session launches She added: ‘The programme in January 2021 now has almost 500 sessions covering radiography, ultrasound, Average 800 CT, MRI, fl uoroscopy and nuclear new enrolments per month medicine. We have outgrown our original scale and intentions and Some of the most feel that renaming the programme popular sessions: Dorothy Keane, clinical lead, Clinical Imaging is important to Clinical Imaging accurately refl ect our broader X-ray introduction scope and aims.’ 10,046 users HEALTH EDUCATION The Clinical Imaging team will England’s e-Learning for ‘We have outgrown continue to provide free resources General introduction Healthcare programme, Image our original scale for colleagues working in clinical 9,084 users Interpretation, has been renamed imaging, for as well as other Clinical Imaging to refl ect the and intentions’ healthcare professionals, and will Fractures and pathology scope and nature of the resource develop new e-learning sessions 6,885 users Dorothy Keane, clinical lead, more accurately. to refl ect changes in imaging and Clinical Imaging Dementia The programme has been the wider NHS. 5,076 users developed in partnership with the Society of Radiographers envisaged how successful the For more information about the Continuing professional Dorothy Keane, clinical lead programme would be and how Clinical Imaging programme, development for Clinical Imaging, said: ‘When demand for sessions would grow including details on how to access 3,668 users I became clinical lead for the exponentially to encompass the sessions, visit the e-LfH website programme, we could not have all modalities and topics, such www.e-lfh.org.uk

Work with us: education and accreditation officer vacancy

educational programmes seeking education and practice. are currently in place college approval in response • You will have a working until further notice owing to growing demand and the knowledge and understanding to Covid-19). considerable change in both of radiography professions, • Salary: Band D £52,009 healthcare and higher education. the pre- and post-registration per annum plus home The post holder will work and continuing education working allowance or alongside the current education requirements, as well as London allowance, and accreditation officer by individual accreditation work. dependent on location. THE SOCIETY and College contributing to the work of • You will support the • Contract: Permanent. of Radiographers are two the team. They will enable the development, dissemination • Hours: 1.0 whole-time separate companies operating Society and College to further and implementation of policy, equivalent. together to provide service develop their education and strategy and guidance in this • Closing date for and support for those involved individual accreditation work, critical area for the Society applications: in radiography. Together they comprehensively and to the and College of Radiographers Midday on Monday comprise the professional highest level. across the UK. You will also 22 March. body and for those advise on, manage and quality • Interviews to be held: practising in medical imaging Who we are looking for assure the education and Early April. and radiotherapy. The Society • This is a specialised role so individual accreditation services of Radiographers is looking you will be a HCPC-registered of the organisation. Interested? Here is what to do. to recruit an education and radiographer with a broad For further information and to accreditation officer. understanding of health and What you need to know apply for the position, please The work of the college social care policy, recognised • Location: Home based visit https://www.sor.org/career- continues to increase, with new leadership and expertise in (remote working arrangements progression/jobs/job-vacancies

MARCH 2021 sor.org Date:18.Feb202116:39:28

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groups, including being the vice- Radiographer is made chair of the Accreditation and Approval Board at the College of Radiographers. His career in radiography Professor of Health began in 1995 and he is still a registered HCPC diagnostic radiographer with an interest in radiography and nuclear medicine. Marc joined UWE as MARC GRIFFITHS is the Pro- a senior lecturer in 2001. He vice Chancellor and Executive became a fellow of the CoR in Dean of the Faculty of Health and 2019 and is also a Principal Applied Sciences at the University Fellow of HE and of the West of England, Bristol a Fellow of the Leadership (UWE) and a proud diagnostic Foundation in Higher Education. radiographer and allied health Marc’s professorship is built on professional. his desire to not only educate the In December, Marc was next potential students interested appointed a Professor of Health in radiography but to also reach at the university. His appointment those who might not consider promotes the importance and themselves candidates. value of radiography, imaging, ‘My professorial award was patient-centred care and based upon the domains of Professor Marc Griffiths outcomes, knowledge transfer education and leadership, and not and workforce development within a traditional research trajectory. contemporary health and social done more than enough now was not easy. Marc was the fi rst The expectations on me are to care practice. Marc, settle where you are now in his family to go into higher show others the way, to empower Marc is the fi rst radiographer because it’s not worth it. It’s not education, and he lived with others, support others, and also to be awarded a professorial worth trying to do anything else. dyslexia throughout his life but not be afraid to disrupt and title at his own higher education You’ve got your degree, I think was not formally diagnosed until confront where things are either in institution and was ‘amazed and you’ve actually pushed yourself his mid-thirties. He is an advocate a status quo or unfair. humbled’ by the appointment. to the limit.” That did nothing but for promoting dyslexia within ‘Anyone can become a Marc said: ‘I can remember push me on.’ learning communities and is professor, and anyone should be someone saying to me, “You’ve The journey into academia involved in several professional able to become a professor.’

Wellbeing for Sonographers Tuesday 16 March 12:30–13:30

Are you a sonographer interested in improving your wellbeing?

The pandemic has increased the pressure on all healthcare professionals. Sonographers have experienced unique pressures as they continue to provide screening and symptomatic services.

This webinar will empower sonographers to develop an understanding of their current coping strategies and consider changes they could make to reduce the risk of burnout while they continue to work under extremely challenging circumstances.

Clinical psychologist Dr Judith Johnson, an expert in the fi eld, will deliver an abridged version of her training for sonographers. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and share ideas.

Book your free place at bit.ly/register_WFS sor.org MARCH 2021 Date:18.Feb202116:39:22

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OPINION Send your letters and articles to [email protected]

Private care must be recognised for its support of the NHS

Radiographer Victoria Ramsden reveals the ‘hidden side’ of healthcare during the Covid-19 pandemic

ACROSS THE general confused with attending a private mainstream media for the past healthcare facility. They often year of Covid-19 there have been feel anger and voice concerns regular mentions of utilising the at having been left behind as the private sector for surgery and pandemic took precedence while bed capacity. they were still in acute need of Yet there has been no mention diagnostic services themselves. of the diagnostic side required I am proud to work at a facility to get to this point, with much of that actively looked for work at the the focus being on the medical start of the pandemic. Our small use of facilities, citing previous department sought out patients precedent where most private from the local trusts who the sector hospitals do a high volume trusts were unable to scan, both of orthopaedic operative work for CT and MRI, and provided them local trusts. with a diagnostic service – a In other articles they talk about lifeline. the capacity of the sector, and attempt to give details again Taking the strain about doctors and nurses and From March to September we beds, with everything else loosely served 100% NHS patients at categorised under ‘other staff’, 130% capacity, running extra again failing to acknowledge the lists and days. Once theatre work (Back L-R) Sarah Kemp, Helen Atkinson, Janet Kemp, David Youlton, AHPs and the non-Covid patients picked up again, and we were Andrew Skinner. (Front L-R) Jade Boustead, Victoria Ramsden themselves. able to see some of our private patients, this changed to 80% Delayed diagnoses NHS work to help support the With everyone talking in terms of local trust a bit further than the beds, this rules out the largest government had required. ‘I am proud to work We are private healthcare and, patient population – those not As the summer wore on and we at a facility that as such, provide an inherently needing inpatient admission saw that the pandemic was not different service to the NHS but but who were already requiring going away, we were really proud actively looked for we do deeply care about patients, medical treatment for a variety of to work for a team that had made work at the start of their experiences and well-being. serious, ongoing conditions. a difference to thousands of local We might be the hidden side The hidden side of the patients, the vast majority with, the pandemic’ of healthcare at the moment but pandemic is working in the or suspected of, having cancer. I am confident that we have made non-Covid units, dealing with Those scans meant they could Victoria Ramsden a real difference to the healthcare the vulnerable patients who continue their treatments and, in of the nation as a whole, have been shielded from the many cases I’m sure, their lives. alongside our NHS counterparts. Covid treatment sites. These Alongside this we have I am proud to work with my team, patients have often been delayed continued to provide a theatre and could not ask for better a cancer diagnosis, staging imaging service as well as plain colleagues. scans and treatment progress fi lm X-rays to compliment the hard checks, meaning further delays to work of our colleagues, taking Victoria Ramsden, chemotherapy delivery or surgery. the strain off some of the medical senior radiographer, deputy Many people attend having and orthopaedic wards in the medical devices lead, been worried at home and are local trusts. Nuffi eld Health Newcastle

MARCH 2021 sor.org Date: 18.Feb 2021 16:39:26

13 Share your views

We cannot allow obstetric ultrasound to become entertainment

Sonographer Anna Madar warns that patient expectations are pushing boundaries too far and could send the ultrasound profession into crisis

THE COVID-19 pandemic I pursued ultrasound as a need to be involved in discussion has again highlighted the unique career due to my own personal with the public about what our and difficult challenges faced by experience of miscarriage and role is and how we can provide obstetric sonographers in the NHS. the compassion and care shown better support to our patients – Balancing the safety and to me by a sonographer, who but we also need to be firm about needs of the patient and the later became a colleague. I have the dangerous line that is being sonographer in the current a real passion for ensuring that crossed because of the unique environment has led to an pregnant women receive the safest service we provide. increase in tension between the and most comprehensive care Sonographers have sacrificed two groups. Unfortunately, at they can in ultrasound. But like so much already in this pandemic times, the needs and wants of other obstetric sonographers, am on top of the external stress the patient and the needs of the feeling somewhat expendable and we experience as members of sonographer conflict in a way betrayed by the reaction of the society at this time. Too many that is particularly unique to the ‘An exodus could NHS to populist group demands. have experienced personal role that ultrasound provides to happen if the illness and loss but, instead of maternity services. Patience and empathy getting recognition for our role in At the start of the pandemic, lines between We treat each individual as attempting to maintain normality, I was returning to work from medical scan and we would wish to be treated pressure groups are using it maternity leave. The emotional ourselves and recognise their as an opportunity to push the burden of having just moved to entertainment individual circumstances. We boundaries further. a new home and workplace, and become increasingly express patience and empathy Sonographers are often the of putting myself even when faced with difficult the forgotten workhorses of and my young family at risk of blurred’ circumstances. Sonographers maternity, not even recognised catching Covid-19, led me to seek frequently experience both as a profession despite years of treatment for severe anxiety. Anna Madar joy and grief for their patients, campaigning on the grounds of My very much-loved job now with very little time to process protecting patients. Ultrasound is came with the threat of potentially staff and vulnerable patients our emotions between heading for a crisis. An exodus hospitalising myself or my family, when attending ultrasound examinations. Even under normal could happen if the lines between or potentially much worse. While appointments. circumstances, and alongside our medical scan and entertainment most of the hospital moved to Women were understandably own personal battles, this can be become increasingly blurred. remote contact with patients, we aggrieved that partners were a challenging task. We need to speak up and be continued face-to-face contact. not being allowed to attend The lines between what has heard for the sake of our patients scans in the often very cramped always been considered a and ourselves. We need the public Public frustration environment of the ultrasound medical examination (even if to understand our role and to Most patients at the time were room. Sonographers were our patients are not sick) and a acknowledge the fact we are not sympathetic to our position and desperately trying to find a way social experience is becoming faceless members of the NHS but the sacrifice we were making for patients to be emotionally increasingly blurred. Ultrasound are also individuals who have our to continue their care. However, supported while maintaining the offers a unique bonding own stories that led us to dedicate as time progressed, across the safe social distancing guidance. experience and insight into the our lives to others. country the public were becoming Despite this, trusts were coming otherwise unseen world of a increasingly frustrated. under increased pressure to allow developing child. However, our Anna Madar is a clinical This led to an increase in women to be accompanied to their role is not to ‘entertain’ expectant specialist sonographer and maternity pressure groups scans and pressure groups, such parents and their family. lecturer in ultrasound physics turning their attention to the as Pregnant Then Screwed, have Sonographers need to come at the Royal Free London NHS measures that hospital trusts demanded that women have the together and ask to be listened to Foundation Trust, Barnet and had put in place to protect right to film their examinations. by hospital trust executives. We Chase Farm Hospitals sor.org MARCH 2021 Date:18.Feb202116:39:22

14 You can talk to me about HPV

To mark HPV Awareness Day on 4 March, therapeutic radiographer Rebecca Jopson explains the links with cancer

PATIENTS ARE at the centre transmitted predominantly through responded over five UK Cancer responsible for having such of our work as therapeutic sexual contact and the number Alliances. The results highlighted discussions with patients? radiographers. The reason we do of sexual partners increases the barriers to providing information, For example, is it really the our job is purely to help people. risk, although it is possible for such as time restrictions and responsibility of the therapeutic As topics surrounding cancer, somebody to contract HPV and to healthcare professionals’ radiographer to answer questions its causes and treatment develop, have had only one sexual partner. confidence and knowledge. about HPV? we are constantly learning. As The virus can lie dormant for As HPV is now identified as an healthcare professionals, we many years before developing into Available information aetiological factor responsible for are committed to continuing cancer, so it is impossible to trace In addition, the availability of various cancers, it is pertinent that professional development to where it developed. information on the topic was all those involved in the care of make us the best we can be for Clinical experience led me inconsistent, with some centres those patients should understand our patients. to complete a study for my offering limited or no resources why they are receiving cancer From my clinical experience BSc dissertation, entitled: ‘Are while others provided booklets treatment. Those teams should be of speaking to patients and UK healthcare professionals to patients and staff. able to answer questions or help colleagues, and also from equipped to provide information The key resources were source an answer on the topic. everyday discussions with friends and support on Human created by the Throat Cancer Therapeutic radiographers see and family, I have discovered that Papillomavirus to patients Foundation. Two booklets, one head-and-neck patients for up to human papillomavirus (HPV) and diagnosed with cancer of the aimed at patients and the other seven weeks throughout treatment its links to various cancers is not head and neck?’. The findings providing support to healthcare – building relationships, listening to well understood. Harmful strains have now been published professionals on how to discuss any issues and generally helping of HPV are responsible for most (www.cambridge.org/core/ the topic with patients, were the patients. The journey is emotionally cervical, oral, anal, vaginal, vulval journals/journal-of-radiotherapy- ones used most by the study’s and physically harrowing, so that and penile cancers, and some in-practice). participants. relationship can be very valuable studies have revealed a link to Health professionals across The study also highlighted and can allow room for questions prostate cancer. six professions involved with the a question about professional and conversation. Through my clinical practice, I care of head-and-neck patients responsibility. Who was Also, when considering head- began to see that one of the most and-neck patients, although HPV affected subsets of patients was offers a better prognosis than the head-and-neck group. Patients negative disease, it affects a were often questioning specialist younger patient demographic. members of the head-and-neck Survivors will be living longer with team about their HPV diagnosis. the debilitating, long-term side The stigma surrounding HPV, effects of their treatment. It is, which is transmitted through therefore, important that baseline sexual contact, meant their knowledge of the topic should be questions were difficult to answer understood. – especially with partners and As an outcome of this study, family members present. I began working with Lucy HPV accounts for approximately Koh, a consultant therapeutic 70% of oropharyngeal cancers Lucy Koh, consultant therapeutic radiographer in head and neck, radiographer in head and neck and rates are rising. The virus is who shares the same passion >

MARCH 2021 sor.org Date: 18.Feb 2021 16:39:20

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for destigmatising HPV, to begin implementing some changes. Obituary: Paul Selmic Our first project involved working with members of the head-and-neck multidisciplinary team at Lancashire Teaching post of district superintendent and Hospitals Trust to create an imaging manager for Southern education package for staff. Derbyshire. He was also able We have also teamed up with to realise a long-held dream by members of the Liverpool Head buying a smallholding. and Neck Centre to implement Sally Ames and I joined Paul education and awareness from in 2001 from Birmingham as the patient perspective. This site superintendents at the education package is being rolled Royal Infirmary and City General out imminently within our trust Hospitals. then regionally, with a view to As time moved on, Paul disseminating it nationally and in became instrumental in designing higher education institutions. what would become the Imaging Department at the Royal Derby Education and knowledge Hospital. He also chaired the East Patient influence is extremely Midlands Radiology Managers important when trying to raise Forum for many years. awareness and make changes, Paul continued to gain especially with this topic. Lucy recognition in the wider and I decided to reach out to hospital group, being promoted the Throat Cancer Foundation to operations manager in because I thought its resources assessment and diagnostics. He should be readily available across later became operations manager all UK Cancer Alliances. Lucy in surgical services, then general and I will be working with the IT IS an honour to write this ‘Paul was a well manager in the Cancer Services foundation to develop education tribute to Paul Selmic – a friend, known figure in Business Unit before retiring from and patient information. colleague, leader, manager, the NHS in July 2015. The stigma attached to HPV husband, father and brother. imaging and wider Sadly, Paul became unwell is a global issue. Education and Professionally, Paul was a well NHS management immediately after retirement. He knowledge will increase if we known figure in imaging and fought his serious illness with his can just get past the stigma and wider NHS management in the in the East and usual clear-minded determination essentially save lives. The public East and West Midlands. He will West Midlands’ and self-deprecating humour. needs to see that anybody can be missed by many. He fully enjoyed his time on the contract HPV and that it can Paul began his radiographic smallholding with his family until be serious and lead to cancer. career at Chesterfield Royal his illness became unstable in People need to understand why Hospital as a student radiographer radiographer. During this time, December. He succumbed on the vaccination is important and in October 1971, where he Selly Oak and Queen Elizabeth 15 January. why gender-neutral vaccination trained until qualification in April Hospital Birmingham merged Paul will be remembered as a should be available globally. 1974 at the Sheffield School of to become University Hospitals caring and beloved family man, HPV Alliance is on a mission Radiography. The superintendent Birmingham, where Paul became a cherished colleague, a leader to do this. It is a US organisation radiographer once told Paul he the district superintendent and the and a friend. He will be missed founded by Lillian Kreppel would never make superintendent general manager for imaging. by many and will be forever and her friend, actress Marcia because he had forgotten to wind In the late 1980s and remembered by those who were Cross. Both are survivors of the clocks (at six foot seven, Paul throughout the 90s, many fortunate enough to have worked HPV-related anal cancer. Upon was given the task because he Birmingham hospitals were part closely with him. reading Lillian’s story, her passion was the only person tall enough to of a reorganisation of services, Our thoughts are with Win and completely inspired me. reach them). involving a significant movement the rest of Paul’s family at this I contacted HPV Alliance Paul proved that prediction of imaging staff, which Paul led sad time. They have set up a Gift to explain the work we were wrong when, after moving and coordinated. of Hope page in Paul’s memory, doing and it asked me to join its to Nottingham General on He frequently delivered – in a so that anyone who wishes can advisory board. Together, we aim qualifying, he was promoted to deliberately broadened Derbyshire make a donation to the British to de-stigmatise, educate and, superintendent III in July 1982, accent – hilarious anecdotes Heart Foundation. most importantly, save lives. ■ gaining his HDCR that same about his early career. And his month. funny tales of caravan holidays at By Penny Owens, specialist Rebecca Jopson is a Paul stayed at Nottingham a place called “t’ Mablethorpe” advisor, University Hospitals therapeutic radiographer at hospitals until January 1985, had us in stitches. of Derby and Burton NHS Rosemere Cancer Centre, when he moved to Selly Oak In August 2000, he returned Foundation Trust Lancashire Teaching Hospitals in Birmingham to Derbyshire, with his wife Win Hospitals Trust as district superintendent and their family, to take up the https://giftofhope.bhf.org.uk/ sor.org MARCH 2021 Date:18.Feb202116:39:15

16 Rad work/life

Claire Brown, Amy Le Vannais and Naomi Alexander How do you like to relax? When I’m not working, I’m from the SCoR Conference and Events team share the training for triathlons, open-water secrets of their success and tell us how they like to relax swimming, and trying not to injure myself on ski slopes. Elaborate when not creating compelling CPD for members baking projects are a particular passion of mine, and weekends are often spent trying to master a new recipe or technique and delivering the results to friends and neighbours. I love seeking out travel adventures near and far, and I’m Claire Brown and entertainments for my fellow by arranging the organisation’s also part of a letterpress printing students. My first ‘real’ job was presence at third-party events. collective. The printing technique doing admin in the fundraising On a day-to-day basis, that was developed in the 15th department of a small cancer could mean doing anything century and has experienced an charity. When my boss was badly from working with colleagues to artisan revival in recent years. injured in an accident, I was devise an engaging conference thrown in at the deep end and programme, to inspecting a venue What was the last book or took over the running of all her or writing marketing copy. TV show you got into? planned events. I learned a huge Books have always been a big amount in a short time, and I’m What has been your part of my life and I studied English pleased to say she made a full favourite event at the SoR? literature at university. I always have recovery. From there I progressed It’s hard to choose one when about five books on the go; the to working in national charities as there have been hundreds! The one I’m most engrossed in at the an events project manager, then annual Radiography Awards moment is The Nightingale, which Claire Brown after a moved to professional bodies and ceremony is always especially is set in occupied France during snowy run in Bath membership organisations. I think moving: hearing about the World War II. Reading about the most of us are here because we incredible work our members do resilience of the human spirit feels Tell us about yourself want to use our skills as a force and meeting their friends and helpful right now. I’m the conference and events for good in the world – that aspect families and seeing how proud manager, part of a small but of working at the SoR gives me a they are. dynamic team of four. In an really strong sense of purpose. Amy Le Vannais average year, we stage or support What do members have to around 30 events. At the moment What does your role look forward to this year? it’s many more, all of which are involve? This year our events have delivered online. My role is a varied one but, at its become accessible to a far core, it’s about taking ideas and wider audience, some of whom When your alarm goes off… turning them into action, solving have never joined an SoR Monday to Friday, I often find problems along the way and event before. This positive and myself reaching for a screen ensuring that deadlines are met unexpected by-product of the and checking emails within five and expectations managed. pandemic has allowed us to meet minutes of waking up (I’m trying In general terms, my team more of our members, albeit to change!). At the weekend, I like facilitates the delivery of a CPD virtually, to ask for their feedback to start the day with some Pilates programme for radiographers, and opinions, and to learn about or a run (or both), followed by a plans awards ceremonies their priorities. This has enabled breakfast of spinach pancakes and other special events, and us to plan a programme in direct and poached eggs, or the bagels raises the profile of the SoR response to members’ needs I taught myself to make during the and suggestions, which feels Amy Le Vannais in Bruges first lockdown. especially important during such a challenging period. How did you get into ‘This year our We have RADIATE: Wellbeing Tell us about yourself event management? for Radiographers coming up I’ve been working as a conference I’ve been enthusiastic about events have become in April – a month of events to and events coordinator at the planning events since my accessible to a far support radiographers in taking SCoR for just over five years. university days and used to care of themselves while they I live in South East London with organise a wide variety of activities wider audience’ work so hard to care for others. my partner.

MARCH 2021 sor.org Date:18.Feb202116:39:24

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GET TO KNOW OUR STAFF AND MEMBERS AS THEY REVEAL WHAT INSPIRES THEM AT WORK AND PLAY

When your alarm goes off… What do members have to Naomi Alexander management and then completed I’m not the best at getting up look forward to this year? an events internship with the early. I like to hit the snooze We have a number of great online British Red Cross. I have been button, ‘just one more minute’ is sessions coming up for all our working in the non-profit sector my mantra. When I’m eventually members. Taking our events virtual ever since, helping to manage up, I make a strong cup of tea has meant that we can reach and plan conferences and events. before getting ready for the day. more members and it gives them the opportunity to watch content What does your role How did you get into at a time that suits them. We’ve involve? event management? just delivered a really successful I help to provide support to the After leaving university in 2010, Student Festival and hope to run Conference and Events team in I did a number of temp roles another one later this year. the management of online events. while deciding whether to start This covers everything from daily a career in law. One of these How do you like to relax? administrative duties, like drafting was in a membership team I got into yoga about two years pre- and post-event information, at a professional body for ago and find it the best way to Naomi Alexander to recording registration numbers at The Shard pharmacists. relax, especially now during and responding to enquiries. I I got on really well with my lockdown. Before the pandemic, also produce a lot of marketing colleagues and liked working with I’d meet up with friends regularly Tell us about yourself content, especially for social healthcare professionals. Before for dinner, exploring new places I started my career working in media. If you see a tweet from I knew it, my role developed into around London. I love eating retail in various supervisory our @SCoREvents Twitter handle, membership and events, after out or we would go to a gig, the roles. I have always enjoyed that’s most likely from me! For the my manager at the time noticed pub, a gallery or on weekends being part of a team, working virtual events themselves, I help my organisation skills and love away. Holidays are probably my in environments that are ever to set up Zoom webinars and of making lists! By this point I favourite way to relax, and I’ve changing, and in a role that is assist during live sessions. had already decided that law recently got into growing plants somewhat physical. I eventually wasn’t for me and I was offered a and vegetables from seed – it’s found my calling in events as it What do members have to permanent position. very therapeutic. is an industry that has a great look forward to this year? mix of these aspects and it is On Tuesday 16 March there will What does your role very fulfilling to see a project be a webinar on sonographer involve? you have worked on come wellbeing so, if you haven’t Lots of organisation, especially ‘We’re continuously to fruition. Before I joined the registered yet, make sure when we’re working on a number SoR in October, I managed to secure your place. We’re of events simultaneously. My role planning for future scientific conferences at a similar continuously planning for future can be quite varied, depending virtual content and membership society. virtual content and are currently on the events I am looking working on something really after, but involves managing all are currently working When your alarm goes off… exciting, so keep an eye out for aspects from setting up the event on something really I hit the snooze button! I need a our announcements. pages for registration, selecting good 20 minutes to persuade my graphics, to managing complex exciting so keep body to leave my cosy bed during How do you like to relax? rooming lists for residential an eye out for an the winter months. I then normally Listening to music is my conferences, speaker liaison and get ready, have breakfast and favourite way to unwind. Since onsite management. announcement’ write a to-do list. the beginning of this current lockdown, I have been reliving What has been your How did you get into my childhood by listening to the favourite event at event management? music I grew up to. So my the SoR? What was the last book My cousin is a musician and current playlists are made up of We run so many great events or TV show you got into? when she would perform at 90s and noughties R&B classics, that it’s hard to pick just one! I’ve always been a big fan of TV shows and events, I accompanied garage anthems and a few I really like the Radiography series, even before the pandemic. her for moral support. Being guilty pleasure pop songs too – Awards but my favourite is In days when we were able to part of the backstage action was nostalgia heaven! probably the Annual Radiotherapy spend time out of the house, I’d exciting, and it was interesting Conference, which is held over always make time to watch a new to see how the events team was What was the last book or the course of a weekend. This drama or film. A few good series able to pull everything together TV show you got into? event brings together therapeutic I’ve recently watched and would so calmly. These experiences The Serpent on BBC iplayer is a radiographers and celebrates recommend are It’s a Sin, The inspired me to take a closer look great drama based on an insane the amazing work they do for Investigation, The Serpent and at the events industry. I studied true story. Couldn’t stop thinking patients. Succession. for a qualification in events about that one for a while. sor.org MARCH 2021 Date: 18.Feb 2021 16:39:15

18 Student Festival

The annual SCoR Student Festival was turned into a virtual event this year. The jam-packed programme featured live webinars, videos, podcasts, social takeovers, articles and opinion pieces plus some fun fringe events, which took place over the course of last month. The programme was developed in collaboration with the SoR UK Student Representative Forum under the theme of ‘The Future’, which focused on how we can prepare students for success in their studies and careers. Over the next three pages, we showcase some of the activities and advice that students enjoyed in February.

From radiotherapy to mammography skills to mammography. A mammographer must have Naomi Davis explains how her choices as a student have shaped her career an excellent eye for detail for positioning the patient and have excellent communication skills, IN 2018 I graduated with first- just as you do in radiotherapy. class honours in radiotherapy I qualified as a and oncology. However, I decided mammographer/specialist to take an alternative route into radiographer in August 2019. radiotherapy and, two-and-a-half I produce high-quality images years later, I recently accepted in the department and work a position as an advanced in a mobile breast-screening practitioner in breast care. van. I assist in ultrasound and In the middle of my degree at stereotactic biopsy procedures. I Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) also inject a radioactive isotope I realised I was not as passionate into the breast to prepare patients about radiotherapy as many of my for surgery. There is much more peers. I enjoyed a lot of aspects of to mammography than imaging the degree, including patient care the breast – it is an excellent and oncology studies, but always career to transfer into. felt as if something was missing. Since becoming a I refused to waste the efforts mammographer I have admired I had put into placements and the breast department’s advanced assignments so I looked into practitioners. These are highly alternative professions that were skilled, experienced members guided by HCPC registration, which ‘There is much more I did encounter a couple of the team, specialising in is what the degree would give me. to mammography obstacles. Many departments certain practices, such as image I explored mammography and expect radiographers to have at interpretation, breast ultrasound sonography and spent time in than imaging least one year of post-graduation and breast biopsies. different departments to help the breast’ experience and certain units Recently I have been offered a me decide. After observing will only consider diagnostic position of advanced practitioner, mammographers in various breast Naomi Davis radiographers. I did not let this learning how to take biopsies of departments, I realised this was deter me and applied to as many the breast under the guidance the career for me. positions as were available. of the X-ray machine. I am now I admired how efficiently I attended five interviews and attending the University of Leeds mammographers worked to I was offered four of the posts! to complete another module; the produce images of the breast now I had a goal to achieve! The NHS Breast Screening credits gained will count towards a using the latest technology and In my final year, when my Programme is expanding and postgraduate diploma. equipment, while also having that friends were applying for more mammographers are I am extremely excited to personal contact with each patient. radiotherapy positions, I must needed to meet the increasing progress with my studies and I It is rare for therapeutic have been the only one applying target pressures and demands. expect to qualify in September radiographers to transfer into for trainee mammographer posts. I graduated from SHU in June 2021. Eventually I would mammography but not unheard Although I was leaning away from 2018 and that September I was like to complete modules in of. It does require further study radiotherapy, my PDF, Keeley enrolled at the University of breast ultrasound and image and returning to university Rosbottom, was supportive of my Salford for a PgC in advanced interpretation. These credits to complete a postgraduate decisions and helped me with medical imaging. The course will help me gain an MSc and certificate. I felt much happier personal statements and interview was very hands-on and I enjoyed become a clinical practitioner in completing the rest of my degree techniques. transferring my radiotherapy breast care.

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A new direction with the Gamma Knife Gamma Knife jobs because I preferred this so much more. Hannah Greaves tells how her passion for patient care led her into radiosurgery I then found the Thornbury Radiosurgery Centre, which was advertising a job. I did not think DURING MY radiotherapy and worked, and how much more I would succeed because it was oncology degree at Sheffield they were involved with the a senior radiographer role and Hallam University, we were given patient – more than you would I had only been qualified for 18 the opportunity to do an elective be in external beam radiotherapy. months and I only had six months placement and I attended the Going into a specific field did of Gamma Knife experience. But I Gamma Knife department. not require an extra degree but had evidenced and spoken about I enjoyed everything about my it did require extra training and my experience, which resulted in degree, from the patient care experience. my securing the post. being delivered and the science I graduated from Sheffield I now feel that this is the field side too. But after spending time Hallam University in June 2019 for me and it is where I belong. I in the Gamma Knife department, and, after qualification, applied have now been offered a place on I discovered I loved the efficiency, for radiotherapy practitioner jobs a course to become a radiation the smaller team and the greater and was employed at St James’s protection supervisor and be involvement in planning and University Hospital in Leeds. responsible for the machine treatment delivery. After being here for four months, when working and adapting I also felt that sometimes, in I received an email asking for my skills further. As I have only the radiotherapy department, if people who were interested in the been here for a couple of weeks, a patient had a concern or had ‘I loved the greater Gamma Knife. I am still finding my feet, but questions, it was always very I emailed straight back but did there are lots of opportunities for rushed as we worked to such a involvement in not expect to get placed because me to continue to increase my tight schedule. I was never able to planning and I was very new to the department knowledge and advance my skills. give the patient the time I would – starting my preceptorship There are many more pathways have liked and to follow them up treatment delivery’ and newly qualified – but I was you can go down in radiotherapy post-treatment. accepted. I spent six months in and oncology, and a lot of Hannah Greaves To be sure that the Gamma the Gamma Knife before rotating opportunities if you are wanting Knife was for me, I attended back through the radiotherapy to find a specific career for you. the Hallamshire Gamma department. My university has supported me Knife department as an extra However, because I had been throughout my decisions. It has placement. It was there that I using a machine specifically so much more involved in the helped me achieve my goals and observed various diagnoses and designed for Gamma Knife patient pathway, the after care discover where I would find my how they are treated differently. treatment. I also saw how and the actual treatment delivery, career, so keep in touch with It was very patient-specific, efficiently the radiographers I decided to start looking for your lecturers! Career progression: the big question Shaheen Cassamobai, a second-year student diagnostic radiographer, seeks advice from SCoR members

ONE QUESTION that always Or maybe I want to qualify as profession; and whether we need seems to occupy my mind is an MRI radiographer. But what to take any further training and/ ‘How much further can I progress if I like fluoroscopy? Or what or masters/PgCert-level education with my radiography career?’ As about reporting? But how about for each field. a second-year student, half-way a sonographer? Or what if I just Personally, I think the best through completing my degree, I really want to stay in general way to find answers is by asking am constantly thinking about what X-ray? I promise you, the people in those professions. I want to do after I qualify, and I possible questions in my mind I think it would be great if we am sure a lot of other students are endless. could get views from other How did you decide on your (from first years up to third years) I will sit at my laptop for hours, radiographers in different areas specialism? To let me know, are in the same boat. researching the various fields, (beyond the ones I have stated) connect with @SCoRMembers My mind is in a constant circle yet I still seem to draw a blank and hear some stories of all the on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram of questions. What do I really with my ‘mind map’. I would love steps they took to get where they or LinkedIn using the hashtags want to do in my profession? to know the different routes we are today. #radcareers #myspecialism Do I want to become a CT can take after qualifying as a So I’d like to ask all our #studentfestival. radiographer? Or maybe become radiographer; how many years members, how did you decide I can’t wait to hear what you an advanced practitioner? it takes to get to each specific what to do after you graduated? have to share. sor.org MARCH 2021 Date:18.Feb202117:15:32

CoRIPS Research Awards open for applications

The awards form part of the the rigour and requirements of Student CoRIPS College of Radiographers’ the CoRIPS scheme. Research Award commitment to the If you are thinking about a implementation of the SCoR’s Eligibility criteria states that career in research and need research strategy, by funding applicants: some research experience, you small grants for projects related • must be a radiographer, can apply for a CoRIPS Student to any aspect of the science and • must be a member of the SoR, Students and members of the Research Award and receive a practice of radiography. • must have been in continuous Society of Radiographers can grant of up to £1,000. membership with the Society of apply for a CoRIPS (College Grants are available for The deadline for applications Radiographers for a minimum of of Radiographers Industry projects by individuals or small is Friday 30 April. one year if they are requesting Partnership Scheme) Research groups of students. up to £5,000, Award grant. Whether you have You must be registered on • must have been in continuous prior research experience or not, a College of Radiographers Grants for Covid-19 research membership with the Society of there is a CoRIPS award for you: approved pre-registration Additional College of Radiographers for a minimum of programme, as well as being a Radiographers-supported two years if they are requesting • Student Research Award: student member of the Society research grants are being more than £5,000. www.sor.org/about-us/awards/ of Radiographers. offered to society members corips-student-research-awards for Covid-19-related research Unlike for the standard CoRIPS • CoRIPS Research Grant: The deadline for applications projects. awards, previous recipients www.sor.org/about-us/awards/ is Monday 1 April. Chair of the College Board of of other research grants will corips-research-grants Trustees Sandie Mathers said: be eligible for this additional ‘This is an exciting and timely funding. Dr Rachel Harris, the college’s CoRIPS Research Grant opportunity for the college professional and education The CoRIPS research grant to support radiographer-led The deadline for applications manager and research lead, is designed to support research relating to the care of is Friday 30 April. said: ‘As usual we are looking radiographers who have very Covid-19 patients during the for innovative and enterprising little or no research experience pandemic.’ applications covering a wide and there is up to £5,000 The College of Radiographers For further information about range of research topics. We will available for small projects Research Grant application all of our grants and awards, particularly welcome requests and up to £10,000 for one will run alongside the current please contact Dr Rachel for Covid-19 related research.’ larger project. CoRIPS funding and will follow Harris at [email protected]

Apply now for Doctoral Fellowship and Overseas Conference Grants

Doctoral Fellowship Overseas Conference Grant Members of the Society of Radiographers can apply for College of If you would like to attend a professional conference outside the UK to Radiographers-supported grants. present your work, you can apply for an Overseas Conference Grant A Doctoral Fellowship grant, funded by the College of of up to £1,000 to help fund your trip. Radiographers, is available for society members wishing to undertake doctoral-level research. Funding will support members, or a small team of members, to travel overseas and present the fi ndings of their research as an oral paper. There are two fellowship grants of up to £25,000 for candidates in Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we will also consider applications to the following research topics: attend virtual events. • accuracy and safety, • technological innovations, To apply for the grant, applicants should submit a 1,500-word • public and patient experience, proposal outlining their work, how their paper is expected to impact • service and workforce transformation, on patient care and the expected outcomes from the work. • education and training. The deadline for applications is Friday 30 April. This exciting opportunity to undertake paid doctoral research will not only have a direct benefit for patients and their families, but will also https://www.sor.org/about-us/awards/cor-legacy-fund result in a published article in the College’s peer-reviewed journal Radiography, and a public address at one of the CoR’s conferences. To apply for the fellowship, applicants must be full members of For further information about all of our grants and awards, the SoR and be registered with the Health and Care Professions please contact Dr Rachel Harris at [email protected] Council or an appropriate voluntary register. Applicants should also be in receipt of a full or conditional offer for doctoral studies at a UK university within one of the four research areas mentioned above, and must provide at least one submission to Radiography. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of support from their employer if remaining in part-time employment, because research will require time out from normal work duties. Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to fund applicants who have previously received Doctoral Fellowship funding.

Further information is available at www.sor.org/node/22006 The deadline for submissions is 5pm on 5 April. Date: 18.Feb 2021 16:39:24

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Students launch webinar series Free webinars in March Adam January and Kieron Fox have attracted a dazzling speaker line-up Adam and Kieron’s free webinar programme continues into March. Book your place at How did you choose the http://bit.ly/radevening speakers for these events?

Kieron: In one webinar, SCoR 4 March | Jackie Matthew President Chris Kalinka and CEO Jackie is a clinical academic Richard Evans gave an overview sonographer and a clinical of lots of different things in terms doctoral fellow with NIHR and of anecdotes, their careers and King’s College London. the organisation. That applies She is a highly respected to pretty much anyone who’s researcher, chairing the interested in the profession and SCoR’s Research Advisory wants to continue further. Group while still working Then we have speakers in clinically as a sonographer for March, such as Dr Hari Trivedi, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS who is a specialist in artificial Foundation Trust. intelligence. I can imagine that Jackie will talk about there are people in the profession her career, research into who will want to find out about the antenatal 3D ultrasound and future of AI – that’s something I’m MRI technologies to assess interested in, too. facial and cranial features I’m writing a dissertation on for potential congenital AI and I don’t think people have abnormalities. realised what it could do to the ADAM JANUARY and Kieron even important things to do with radiography profession. I think Fox, radiographer assistants our degree. I think it’s important it’s good to listen to the research 11 March | Dr Hari Trivedi at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, that people get the opportunity from someone like Dr Hari so Hari is an emergency became friends when they started to enjoy and learn about all the people can start paying more radiologist based in Atlanta, university in 2018. different aspects of radiography. attention. Each talk does have its Georgia. As well as practising The radiography students have own specialist area, it’s just some clinically, he is an assistant set up a series of radiography Adam: We’re both third-year provide an overview and some professor at Emory University. evening webinars, which they diagnostic radiology students, are more specific. His key interests are in deep hope will not only educate their we’re both from the North East. learning, natural language fellow students but attract new We’ve both got an interest in Adam: We’ve realised that there’s processing and big data. His students to the subject and share organising things like this and it quite a lot of crossover with other research tends to incorporate knowledge with other professions. was a kind of coming together. professions, like trainee medics, both these interests and his They they have been hosting It’s giving the opportunity for a who might be interested in the clinical responsibilities as a the webinars over Zoom and specialist speaker in radiography potential for AI, and people radiologist. YouTube since 18 February to present what they’ve been who are potentially going to be and will continue until 18 March doing recently, provide a snippet radiologists. We’ve got a talk from as part of the SCoR’s Student of their career or what their recent researcher Jackie Matthew about 18 March | Emma Rose Festival. research findings are, and then, cranial and facial abnormalities Emma is a clinical specialist Synergy News spoke to Adam hopefully, allow a short session and we think that could be helpful radiographer, based at Great and Kieron about what inspired for questions and answers. to midwives. It’s nice to open Ormond Street Hospital them to create the webinars, One thing we’re trying to do up these different sessions to in London. She is highly what they hope student is get involved with some of the different professions and promote specialised in paediatric radiographers will learn from them colleges local to where we’re that work. interventional radiology, and and what they have gained from from, and where we have been on has additional experience the experience. placement in the past few years, What else have you learned as the Vice-Chair of the to try to improve engagement. from the experience? Association of Paediatric Why did you decide to set up It’s something we both like Radiographers. Emma is the webinar series? to be involved with in terms of Kieron: It’s not just the talks currently a visiting fellow at increasing the attractiveness of themselves that we learn from. London South Bank University. Kieron: The idea was initially set healthcare degrees to students. Speaking to all the people Her talk will offer an overview up because we’re both learning It’s a good age to get someone who are close to the top of the of paediatric IR, including but, since such a wide spectrum interested in specialist areas profession, it’s good to just get some interesting cases and of different topics and disciplines of radiography, pique their the opportunity to work with and the current scope of the are involved, it’s pretty hard to interest and get them to look into communicate with people like service. cover things in lectures that are the degree. them and set up these things. sor.org MARCH 2021 Date: 18.Feb 2021 16:39:18

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Check out your home environment Do you have space for the workstation where you can work undisturbed by children, partners or pets – a spare room or study? Bear in mind patient confidentiality: can the workstation be seen by others, how is the area secured? Monitors need to be placed away from reflections or glare from light sources. Is there sufficient power supply for the workstation, reporting monitors and accessories? Imaging informatics: Is the speed of your broadband and wi-fi good enough? In most your questions answered cases 20+ Mbps will be enough. However, wi-fi signal strength Each month the society’s IM+T Advisory Group can vary in different rooms, and explains key topics and answers your tech questions not all systems can be supported wirelessly, so you may need a network cable to plug the workstation directly into your LAST YEAR brought an explosion router. Reporting in homeworking, with more radiologists spending part of their Top things to think about working time at home. Are you a How will you set up the reporting radiographer? Would you workstation? Will it be initially like to join them? Here are some set up on the hospital site, then radiographers tips to help make it happen. delivered to you? Will someone from the IT department phone Make your case and talk you through it? Or will What are the costs? you rely on the PACS team? and working The main outlay for a ‘reporting How will your monitors be package’ is the workstation, quality assured? QA is critical for desk, a chair (or perhaps you safe and reliable image review prefer a standing desk?), any so ask your PACS manager or from home necessary licensing or software medical physicist. costs, and network infrastructure. Will you be able to use speech If your organisation has no recognition at home or will you be homeworkers as yet, the network typing your reports? This month, RIG’s Moira Crotty infrastructure could be technically How will you get (technical) explains what you need to start challenging and expensive. support if something goes wrong? However, if it is already in place What hours is this type of support homeworking effectively for other reporters, then the cost available? for another individual reporter is How will you communicate likely to be low. If you have a poor with colleagues: radiographers, broadband connection, this may radiologists, GPs, emergency need to be upgraded. department teams, etc? Some PACS support instant messaging What are the benefits? and some will allow Microsoft More flexible shift patterns – Teams to operate alongside the perhaps providing a service over RIS and PACS, while others may a weekend or in the evening? rely on email or phone. Being able to continue to work If you chose to move to a while self-isolating; improved different trust, will there be quality and productivity due significant disruption in removing Moira Crotty to fewer interruptions; more the equipment and services or opportunities for insourcing of costs you would have to bear? reporting (cost savings over all). If the workstation suffers If your trust is part of a network, accidental damage, who bears will you be working on reporting the cost? Check with your service from other trusts, too? manager.

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Questions and answers The member who submitted our Question of the Month will receive a copy of the group’s textbook Clark’s PACS, RIS and Imaging Informatics. Send your questions to [email protected]

QUESTION OF THE MONTH: We’ve seen several security alerts this year from the US FBI, UK NHS Digital etc regarding radiology equipment vulnerabilities. It’s been a wakeup call. Are these serious? Should we worry about patient safety from cyberthreats?

A: Knowing about these issues is better than not knowing. Healthcare institutions were once seen as ‘off-limits’ to hacking groups or digital extortion gangs but recently this attitude is said to have changed and hospitals are now viewed as potentially ‘good’ targets for attack. Although presently confined to movies, with state-level attacks on power plants and water treatment centres having already taken place, in theory it is technologically ‘Major events can possible to cause, for example, a CT Want to get involved in the RIG? scanner to deliberately overexpose a child lead to new ways or for a therapy machine to deliver a fatal Expressions of interest are invited from Society of dose of treatment. of thinking, new Radiographers’ members who would like to join the To a degree of lesser harm to patients, resources and Radiographic Informatics Group (RIG) – five new images can be corrupted, deleted or vacancies become available this year. exchanged by bad actors (a normal image new solutions’ Applications are invited from all sections of the exchanged for a ‘fake’ cancerous one radiography community and from all four countries. would prompt unnecessary treatment). Those applying should be in good standing with Radiographers in charge of equipment the SoR, respected and held in high esteem by their should be aware of this. PACS teams peers. They should be excellent collaborators and should audit their likely IT security risks and active team/board members with an enthusiasm to correlate with the wider department security The response to the pandemic contribute to the profession/education. and integrity plan. has resulted in a great drive In addition, logistically, applicants should be able Overall, the importance of good towards all kinds of healthcare and willing to devote time and energy to the group governance and IT security practice is staff requesting homeworking between meetings by email, online sharing services, crucial at the moment and considered good set-ups. Many radiologists now teleconferences and the attendance of approximately practice – at its most basic level, does have full reporting capability in two meetings per year in person. your department receive the standard NHS their homes but, at present, it To apply, please submit a short CV (no longer than Digital cyberalerts to review? seems that very few reporting two sides of A4) that includes your SoR membership From the modality supplier side, how is radiographers have a similar number, length of membership, HCPC registration your routine patching managed for each opportunity. number (if applicable) and shows the nature of the machine? Did your trust undertake or Although there is some expertise or area of focus you would expect to bring commission a security assessment of the evidence of improved productivity to the group. software you are running patient treatments and cost savings from insourcing, Applications should be emailed to [email protected] or diagnosis on? there is less evidence about the by midday on Friday 19 June. When considering a modality purchase, savings in the long run. However, modality suppliers generally can provide major events such as the current Informal discussions with current group members can details of their ongoing security hardening pandemic can lead to new ways be arranged by emailing [email protected] procedures but a hands-on penetration and of thinking, new resources and resilience test prior to purchase is > new solutions. sor.org MARCH 2021 Date:18.Feb202116:39:40

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Questions and answers (continued)

< (in theory) the gold standard. All ‘Experience is (CT, MR, US, NM, angio, etc). Q: Is it advantageous to have suppliers should have a regular The ways in which you get been a radiographer before patching programme in practice golden but raw involved are almost the same aspiring to be a PACS team to avoid exposure to risk. aptitude and drive for all these, there are just member? We’ll cover basic cybersecurity different characters running each tips for radiographers in a future are equivalent’ department and varying queues A: It is certainly very helpful to edition of Synergy News.. for training, depending on the have a clear understanding of funds and vacancies available in the clinical processes, particularly your area. anatomical terminology and Q: Connecting for Health used orientation concepts, but this to be very active, promoting is not mandatory if there is the National Programme for Q: I have recently taken over departmental support to IT and putting out a lot of the management of two junior cover this. guidance, training and very PACS team members. What However, at the last survey useful information. There as the Spine, the Covid-19 top things should I be doing in 2018, around 80% of the seems to less help available booking system, child health, to advance their knowledge? PACS team workforce at Band from NHS Digital, NHSX, NHS111 and prescription transfer 6 or above held a radiography and now from something services. For imaging, NHS A: Key areas to focus on: qualification. Experience is called NHSd. What can we, in Digital handles the Diagnostic core standards (HL7, DICOM golden but raw aptitude and radiology, gain from them? Imaging Dataset (DID) because etc), project management, drive are equivalent. of its relation to national data database principles and A: Connecting for Health was flow. Data and analytics are, general IT (Windows and server renamed the HSCIC as part of therefore, the primary link administration, security, networks Q: Do PACS team members the Andrew Lansley NHS reforms. between radiology departments and hardware management). normally still do clinical work? NHS Digital is an operating name and NHS Digital. These areas can be developed of HSCIC. NHSd is simply an by academic courses, learning A: This is both personal abbreviation of this operating Questions on on the job or via wider/previous preference and down to name (a nickname). NHSX is a February’s topic: experience. local choice and contractual new, arms-length body charged considerations. We have not with developing strategy around career development surveyed this question for a IT healthcare. in informatics Q: Are there differences in the definite answer but believe a After the national PACS makeup and working practices good number of PACS team deployment projects were of PACS teams across the four members still contribute clinically complete in the late 2000s, Q: At what point in my career countries of the UK? in some way – even if it’s just NHS Digital shifted focus to data should I consider whether for the occasional weekend or flow and analytics rather than informatics is for me? A: Yes. And even within regions. night shift. individual products. Local trusts For example, radiographers Just as with office-based then became responsible for A: Any time is the right time! working more rurally typically radiology managers, licensing local systems. There are opportunities at any undertake more of the initial with the HCPC remains possible NHS Digital has responsibility stage. Treat informatics like any fault diagnostics and equipment without constant hands-on patient for national products, such other specialty of imaging maintenance themselves. contact. ■

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MARCH 2021 sor.org Date:18.Feb202116:39:33

25 A dramatic start to a research career

Radiographer James Hughes on managing his first study during Covid-19

HAVING QUALIFIED in is now being investigated for MSK hit, attendances for scaphoid ‘Radiographers diagnostic radiography in applications. Having implemented injuries at ED dropped far below are ideally placed 2009 and completed an NIHR a new pathway using CBCT, a previous years and we were given research internship in 2017, I had prospective research project was permission to extend our planned to pursue ideas developed an interest in research designed to evaluate its impact. recruitment period to compensate. for techniques and wanted to pursue it further as Shortly after, recruitment to a career option. Recruiting patients all non-Covid-19 studies was and service Radiographers are ideally For this study, symptomatic paused. However, as we were improvements’ placed to pursue ideas for patients with no injury reducing ED clinic attendances, techniques and service demonstrated on scaphoid X-rays we were encouraged to continue James Hughes improvements and I wanted to would be approached by the recruitment as part of the trust’s be more involved in establishing emergency department (ED) Covid-19 response. As a result, evidence bases and helping to staff for potential recruitment. All we became the only active non- study I had originally scheduled move such ideas into practice. patients would then be offered Covid-19 study. regular research team meetings I started working for the a CBCT of the wrist in the next To maximise recruitment, one but, due to Covid-19 pressures, Mid Yorks NHS Trust radiology available appointment. However, member of the research team was we adapted to emails, handover research team in September those who consented to the available every day to review the forms and phone calls, as well 2019. Part of my role was to study would be asked for more previous day’s worklist, contact as a study whiteboard to tally assist with the InSPECTED study information about their injury and and recruit patients and perform current recruitment numbers. This (IRAS-274018) looking into symptoms, and would be followed the wrist CBCT scans if needed. communication across the team using early cone beam computed up by phone at two and six weeks To support the trust’s pandemic was vital and allowed other staff tomography (CBCT) for suspected by the research team rather than response, the research team all involved in the study, including ED scaphoid injuries. by appointment at the ED clinic. volunteered to assist part time doctors and nurses, to collaborate CBCT is a relatively new We opened the study to in the clinical departments. My and address problems. technology that has been used for recruitment at the start of role moved to two days in X-ray We have now completed all dental and max-fax imaging but March 2020. As Covid-19 and three days of research, plus patient follow-up, having enrolled weekend cover for research 68 patients and reviewed the recruitment. records of nearly 350 who had attended the previous year. Collecting data This has been a dramatic but When working clinically, I could exciting start to my research support the ED and radiographers career. We had planned for as with questions or issues about the many problems as we could study, as well as approach and anticipate but coordinating the recruit eligible patients and collect study across multiple departments data. It was also nice to see that during Covid-19 was a challenge I can still perform a good HBL for all involved. The research team hip. However, it meant I had to now has plans for three papers complete five days of research in from this study, including one just three days each week. I am leading on. While research oversight We would like to thank the was available from the principal radiographers and emergency investigator and research team if nurse practitioners who went above needed, I was often working alone and beyond what was required to in a relatively unfamiliar research make the study a success, despite position. We had to coordinate the circumstances. recruitment and patient follow-up events, as well as highlight and James Hughes is an audit review any problems or issues and research radiographer at occurring during the study. the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals The CBCT scanner used for the study As clinical trials assistant on the NHS Trust sor.org MARCH 2021 Date:18.Feb202116:39:38

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Volume (PTV) while decreasing The road to adaptive the dose to the surrounding organs at risk. As this would be the last machine replacement at St Luke’s for four years, the opportunity to radiotherapy invest in cutting-edge technology could not be missed. The business case was amended to One team shares its experience of commissioning and include Ethos software and this was accepted by the trust. installing Varian’s Ethos Therapy System Building work began with only a slight delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The new machine arrived at the end of June. When ST LUKE’S Cancer Centre in reaching the end of its lifetime and members of the team the device was delivered it was Guildford provides radiotherapy in April 2020, the decision was saw its exciting new so heavy that the ground sank services at both the Royal Surrey faced as to whether to replace it features demonstrated at a under its weight – literally a County Hospital and at the with a TrueBeam, matching the European conference. groundbreaking machine! East Surrey Hospital, covering existing cohort, or the state-of-the- Like any new equipment project, a population of more than 1.2 art Varian Halcyon. Artificial intelligence there are always teething problems million. The centre sees 3,000 A multi-disciplinary radiotherapy The Ethos software enables the and installing and commissioning referrals each year, with an average team was involved from the Halcyon to perform adaptive the Ethos system posed particular 200 to 250 patients undergoing outset, eventually deciding that radiotherapy (ART) using artificial challenges for the physics team. radiotherapy at any one time. the Halcyon’s improved workflow intelligence (AI). The AI software The system software connectivity External beam, image-guided, efficiencies and enhanced patient uses Cone Beam Computerised was very complex, requiring a intensity-modulated, stereotactic experience outweighed the Tomography (CBCT) to adapt number of different departments – radiotherapy and brachytherapy logistical difficulties of a stand- the original treatment plan to both internal and external – to work are among some of the services alone unit, and the business case account for daily variability in a together. This was exacerbated by offered. The site houses five linear progressed on that basis. tumour’s shape and position due the lockdown travel restrictions, accelerators (linacs) comprising Just before the business case to changes in nearby organs. meaning Varian’s engineering Varian Clinac and TrueBeam was submitted, the Ethos Therapy This results in greater accuracy support could not attend in person. machines. With the last Clinac System was launched by Varian of treatment to the Primary Target Following install and

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acceptance, it was identified (L-R) Abigail Lea, operational manager; Miriam side dose comparison feature that the treatment machine was Rashid, team leader; Josh Harding, team leader; but it is not possible to overlay not able to pull the required Selina Reinlo, senior radiographer current images with the original information from the ARIA system CT scan. Likewise, dose cannot as expected (some aspects be assessed by importing Ethos are not explicitly tested during CBCT’s back into Eclipse. To help acceptance). This also took a compensate for the lack of offline few weeks to resolve and was review, we have implemented down to a rogue underscore in the use of a Daily Imaging the machine name. The solution Questionnaire within ARIA, which involved the rather daunting step enables us to document imaging of ‘retiring’ the machine with help findings regarding things such from Varian. Once completed, as bladder/rectum filling, PTV clinical plans appeared on the coverage and contour changes, treatment machine as required. to establish whether trends are forming. For example, making the Swift operation ‘With its sleek, simple design and intuitive decision to daily ultrasound scan It was then noticed that the for bladder filling if the bladder machine had been commissioned software, it soon became clear that this is repeatedly smaller than the in cGy instead of Gy. While this would be a very easy machine to use’ original CT volume. did not impact on treatment deliveries, it was deemed a risk Positive feedback to begin clinical work with this Patient feedback has been mismatch, meaning further delays overwhelmingly positive, with all to the commissioning of the patients surveyed preferring the planning system. Ethos to the TrueBeam. The wider At the beginning of August, bore and the couch’s ability to applications training on the Ethos travel through the machine and began. With its sleek, simple out the other side means patients design and intuitive software, it Staff created ‘Ethos new start has proven problematic for the feel much less claustrophobic. soon became apparent that this check’ tasks to ensure all data planning team as it requires The treatment room features would be a very easy machine pulled across from ARIA and them to create and optimise a murals of local Surrey scenery to use. Ethos is correct before the patient completely new plan, which is and a SkyInside moving ceiling, Minimal buttons at a workable starts treatment. The physics very labour and time intensive. which provides a soothing height and the removal of the team also imports the plan report As the department moves atmosphere. need to perform iso-moves allow from Ethos to ARIA to prevent the towards planning Ethos The Ethos machine went live for swift operation, speeding up need for two systems to be open treatments exclusively using the on 24 August and it has already treatment times and enabling staff simultaneously during treatment. Ethos planning system (in the proven to be an asset to the to concentrate on the patient. early stages Ethos patients were department with its user-friendly High-quality CBCT imaging Treatment workflows being planned on Eclipse and design and improved planning makes soft tissue matching much Staff created treatment workflows the plan then transferred into the process. This offers more easier than on the TrueBeam, and to ensure data checking and Ethos system), time is needed to consistency between plans and auto-sequencing of field delivery verification between the two train staff on this new software, improves the patient experience. and high dose rate/gantry treatment systems. Weekly quality which is different to the previously There is also the exciting prospect revolution speed mean treatments checklists were developed to used Eclipse platform. of online adaptive radiotherapy are delivered much more quickly. ensure Ethos Treatment Planning For staff, one of the biggest for which work is currently in Quality assurance checks were System and ARIA data matches. differences between ARIA and progress, primarily focusing on also simplified, with one energy Care path tasks were created Ethos is the lack of an offline bladder and gynae treatments. (6 FFF) and the machine carrying to capture treatment doses image review function. Standard Can we reduce planning out its own performance check manually, should the patient have department protocol for radical margins? Will this reduce patient resulting in a quicker start in the a treatment on one of the other patients requires the first three toxicities? What opportunities morning. linacs in the department. images to be reviewed offline to are there for role extension There were a few operational As we have only one Ethos assess whether the image is within of therapeutic radiographers? issues but staff worked hard machine, patients need to have a tolerance criteria for the particular Can we simplify pre-treatment to overcome them. The Ethos TrueBeam back-up plan in case anatomical site, and correct patient preparation? How will system itself does not connect of machine breakdown/servicing. systematic displacement using adaptive pathways affect patient to the ARIA system. Data can be Interestingly, the Ethos planning iso-moves if necessary. Without experience? We have many pulled from ARIA to Ethos but system favours 12-field intensity- this function, images taken on questions and the whole team is cannot flow in the other direction. modulated (IMRT) plans, giving Ethos cannot be reviewed post- excited to start working on getting Originally this raised questions better dosimetric coverage to treatment, which some consultants some answers. Watch this space! regarding daily workflow and the PTV compared with VMAT. find difficult to adapt to because potential for data transcription However, VMAT back-up plans are they cannot assess for problems By Miriam Rashid and Selina error but it has not been as favoured for TrueBeam machines during treatment. Reinlo, with contributions from problematic as first thought. due to speed of treatment. This Ethos does have a side-by- Nawda Fazel and Josh Harding sor.org MARCH 2021 Date: 18.Feb 2021 16:39:29

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of current and aspiring ACPs and New regional role focuses the management teams across the region. The aim is to increase sustainability and transferability, on advanced practice and enable effective workforce planning. For example, she says, there are well known shortages across many groups in the HEALTH EDUCATION ‘I have continually developed workforce, such as oncologists, England’s Centre for Advancing my role, following the SCoR GPs and radiologists. Practice has created new regional guidance covering the four pillars ‘There’s no reason why, with roles to disseminate national of advanced and consultant the appropriate competencies practice down to regional level. practice. I’ve had amazing and supporting education, Policies, governance strategies support from the consultant advanced practice posts can’t and support networks across oncologists, which has enabled develop and undertake some of each of the seven regions will me to increase my scope of the roles traditionally undertaken be developed through the new practice, implement new treatment by these professionals. This has regional faculty leads. Educational techniques and pathways and the potential to streamline patient standards and accreditation from improve patient care.’ pathways, reduce waiting lists and higher education institutions will She continues: ‘As vice-chair of improve patient care.’ be the focus, as well as workforce the trust’s Specialist Practitioner Katie hopes to showcase the transformation and development. Forum, I was tasked with work being done by ACPs and Katie Cooper is the new regional developing the advanced practice to develop these roles across all faculty lead for advancing practice ‘I think the one governance document. The work professional groups in the region. in the East of England, based in looked at standardising minimum ‘I think the one positive of the Norfolk. She has a strong interest positive of the capabilities, role development, Coronavirus is that it has broken in advanced clinical practice and Coronavirus is that job planning and job descriptions down traditional barriers because is excited about the challenges this across all professions, not just we’ve had to change the way that new role will bring to her personally, it has broken down therapeutic radiographers, and we work and adapt,’ Katie says. as well as the increased support traditional barriers’ the governance of these roles ‘The pandemic has been able she can offer to all advanced throughout the trust.’ to show how effective and how clinical practitioners (ACPs). Katie Cooper, regional faculty lead, Katie’s new role focuses mainly flexible ACP roles can be to ensure ‘I became an advanced East of England on workforce transformation, that treatments are delivered. I think radiographer (gynaecology) at with the regional teams aiming we are in an ideal place to make Norwich and Norfolk Hospital in to provide a more consistent a huge difference to workforce 2010, and then developed into my and robust approach to the transformation and improve the consultant brachytherapy post in overarching governance, care that we provide patients and 2016,’ Katie explains. development and management their families.’

MARCH 2021 sor.org Date: 18.Feb 2021 16:39:40

29 WHY Fronts: patient experience Asking the question ‘why?’ to promote quality service provision

THIS MONTH we continue our would seem to imply that it is a • Taking into account the results. We all sat there in series on the five domains of deceptively difficult concept. Yet people’s preferences and our gowns, scared, and one by the Quality Standard for Imaging I’m sure everyone would agree expressed needs. one they’d call us back in. Some (QSI). The series is looking at the that this is – or should be – our • Coordinating and women would come back out kind of areas that QSI assesses aim within radiology. integrating care. crying miserably; some would be to try to raise quality in our It seems obvious that our • Working together to make sure smiling. It was awful. You just sat imaging departments. We have departments should be patient- there is good communication, there wondering which you’d be.’ now reached the fourth domain, centred but when time constraints information and education. This is definitely a department which is Patient Experience. and busyness take over, sadly the • Making sure people are ‘flow-through’ model that needs During the pandemic, saying patient experience can suffer. physically comfortable more thought. thanks to the NHS and other and safe. If you would like to look up health workers has finally • Emotional support. further studies on the subject, become a popular thing to do. A ‘The NHS will last • Involving family and friends. there is one in two parts entitled worldwide health crisis focuses • Making sure there is continuity ‘Patient-centred care in diagnostic most minds on the quality of their as long as there between and within services. radiography’3. However, this is national health service and the are folk with the • Making sure people have an area where there is definitely NHS has stood up to the test access to appropriate care space for more research so, if that has been thrown at it. Being faith to fight for it’ when they need it. anyone is looking for an MSc topic thanked is excellent and affirms to explore, here is one possibility. Aneurin Bevan, founder of the NHS that our practice and procedures ‘Patient-centered radiology’2 If you are seeking funding for are working and are valued. is an article that some of you your research, take a look at the However, for the most part, might find interesting to read. It CoRIPS Research Grants page during ‘normal’ times we only ever The Patient Experience domain is US based but has some very on the SCoR website to see if you seem to hear from our patients puts the patient at the heart of useful ideas and tips for creating could apply www.sor.org/about-us/ when they have a complaint. quality in your service. a patient-centred radiology awards/corips-research-grant Getting feedback that reflects Person-centred care is one of department. accurately patients’ true feelings the 13 fundamental standards The author, Jason N Itri, References about the service is a constant of care that the Care Quality outlines some of the inherent 1. http://healthinnovationnetwork. conundrum and I’m afraid this Commission requires healthcare problems of a radiology com/system/ckeditor_assets/ article is not going to solve that providers to meet for England. department and why, traditionally, attachments/41/what_is_ problem. If you feel you’ve got it Delivering person-centred care it may have struggled to become person-centred_care_and_ right in your department, I would involves caring for patients more patient friendly. why_is_it_important.pdf love to hear from you. beyond their condition and He says one reason is that 2. Jason N Itri (2015) While writing this article I have tailoring your service to suit their radiology is traditionally an area ‘Patient-centered radiology’, come to realise two problems individual wants and needs of a hospital where radiologists RadioGraphics, 14 October relating to improving patient- Scotland, Wales and Northern are more used to talking to 2015. centred care in radiology. The first Ireland have similar approaches each other than to patients. 3. E Hyde and M Hardy (2020) is that there is no one standard in their standards. Similarly, the Also, patients move through the ‘Patient-centred care in definition of person- or patient- NHS Constitution states that the department quickly and can diagnostic radiography (part centred care. The second is that patient will be at the heart of sometimes get lost in the ‘system’ 2): a qualitative study of there are relatively few studies everything the NHS does. of the work. He also cites the the perceptions of service on patient care in radiology The Health Innovation Network following example. users and service deliverers’, departments in the UK – and in South London1 identified ‘One patient describes her Radiography 7 October 2020. even fewer where patients are eight statements to define experience in a mammography involved in the research study. person-centred care: unit as follows: After we had our Having a clear definition helps • Respecting people’s values mammograms, we were told to Katherine Jakeman everyone to aim for the same and putting people at the go back to the waiting room, QI Partner, RCR/SCoR goal. The lack of a definition centre of care. where they would call us in with [email protected] sor.org MARCH 2021 Date:18.Feb202116:39:34

Cut out and display this poster or download at www.sor.org/learning/document-library Date:18.Feb202116:39:36

Recruitment

MSK MRI for Beginners A beginner’s course for healthcare professionals interested in interpreting musculoskeletal MRI

Online via Zoom on Saturday the 24th of April, 2021 common pathology of knee, shoulder and lumbar spine - An appreciation of a step by step approach to interpreting Accreditation: MSK MRI 6 CPD credits in accordance with the CPD Scheme of the Royal College of Radiologists. - Greater confidence reading MSK MRI, and - Identified any knowledge gaps relevant to his/her practice, Course aim: and ways by which these can be addressed. To provide participants with a practical, stimulating, step by step guide on interpretation of musculoskeletal MRI: Course highlights: - cased based; - Taught by a practising consultant radiologist with extensive - assumes little or no prior experience in MSK MRI; and experience in MSK MRI - covers most commonly performed MSK MRI studies: knee, interpretation and teaching shoulder and lumbar spine. - Focuses on concepts someone new to MSK MRI interpreta- tion may find challenging Target audience: - Case based and hence relevant to day to day practice. For radiology registrars, radiographers, physiotherapists and - Covers most common pathology enabling attendees to other healthcare professionals with an interest in interpreting make a start interpreting musculoskeletal MRI in their clinical practice. musculoskeletal MRI. Learning outcomes: - Discusses protocolling and triaging as well as interpreting By the end of the course, the attendee will have: MSK MRI based on clinical scenario. - An understanding of MR anatomy and appearance of most - Limited number of delegates to facilitate interactivity.

How to register: For details visit www.mskbeginner.com For a registration form, please email: [email protected]

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