11 Apr 2024 | 2 mins

Diagnostic checks rolled out to 160 sites under CDC programme

Article by: Dr Katharine Halliday

Dr Katharine Halliday responds to the NHSE announcement ‘Diagnostic checks rolled out to 160 sites under CDC programme’:

“We welcome the news that the CDC programme has reached its target of rolling out 160 diagnostic centres. These centres provide faster access to important diagnostic tests and are crucial in addressing the growing need for timely healthcare services. And, with 20.8% of patients waiting over 6 weeks for tests, it's clear that further expanding access should be a top priority to prevent further delays.

“Currently, CDCs are performing 8.7% of all diagnostic tests, and NHS England aims to provide capacity for an additional 9 million tests annually by 2025. However, while CDCs have increased scanning capacity, there hasn't been a proportional expansion of reporting capacity. Radiologists are facing increased workloads, with 91% of trusts reporting higher workloads and 49% finding it unmanageable.

“The strain on diagnostic staff is evident, with 88% of CDCs relying on existing NHS or health trust staff. NHSE's projections suggest a potential shortfall of up to 6,500 staff by 2025. Urgent action is needed to expand the radiologist workforce through training and retention initiatives.

“Investment in radiology staff is critical for the continued success and growth of the CDC programme. Without sufficient support for the workforce, the programme's ambitions may be hindered, impacting patient care and outcomes.”

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After completing her radiology training in London, Australia, Sheffield and Nottingham, Dr Halliday was appointed as a Consultant Paediatric Radiologist at Nottingham University Hospital in 1998. She has a special interest in the imaging of suspected physical abuse and provides expert opinions for cases throughout the UK. She was Chair of the British Society of Paediatric Radiology from 2010-2016 and chaired the working group for the updated guidance for imaging in cases of suspected physical abuse in children.

In September 2017, Dr Halliday was appointed National Clinical Lead for the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme for Radiology, and the Radiology GIRFT report was published in July 2020. Dr Halliday took over as Clinical Director for Radiology at Nottingham University Hospitals in January 2021.

Dr Halliday's tenure as RCR President is 2022-2025.