RCR response to today’s UK Budget
Responding to today’s Budget announcement from the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Dr Katharine Halliday, President of the Royal College of Radiologists said:
“We welcome the Chancellor’s commitment today to investing in IT and AI in the NHS. Workforce shortages are very severe. Right now, the NHS is trying to manage with a 29% shortfall in clinical radiologists, and a 15% shortfall in clinical oncologists. We need AI and good IT to make sure that clinical staff are available to do the really important jobs that only they can, so today’s investment is crucial. AI shows great promise in both diagnostics and cancer care but embedding AI and improving IT systems takes time and resources. Doctors cannot drive forward innovation if we are struggling to cope with day-to-day pressures. It's a vicious cycle: not having enough doctors means there’s less capacity to improve services and working conditions, which pushes more staff to leave, leading to even fewer doctors. Ultimately, it's the patients who suffer.
If we are going to tackle long waiting lists, we need immediate action to meet national targets. It's crucial to fully implement the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and take steps to keep talented doctors in the system. We're looking forward to more details on the £3.4 billion investment for modernising the NHS's IT. While it's good news, we need to make sure the money is carefully targeted to be of maximum benefit.”
