A spokesperson for the Royal College of Radiologists said:
“We are aware of the severe shortages of qualified radiologists in Northern Ireland and the potential impact that this is having on the care of cancer patients. This issue has been exacerbated by a combination of additional factors such as inadequate training numbers and the retirement of radiologists.
We know that the Department of Health has been reviewing the imaging service in Northern Ireland and that work is on-going to increase radiology trainee numbers and to introduce an accreditation scheme for imaging services. We hope the recommendations of the review will be implemented as rapidly as possible to avoid comprising patient safety. We are ready and willing to work with the Department of Health to help achieve an improved radiology service for patients in Northern Ireland.”
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For more information contact the Communications Team, media@rcr.ac.uk / 07554 998197.