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Sonographer and Therapeutic Radiographer win CAHPO Gold Award for Excellence 2026

Ben Roe was named as one of the CAHPO Gold Award winners, image via Benjamin Roe

Ben Roe was named as one of the CAHPO Gold Award winners, image via Benjamin Roe

Catherine Kirkpatrick said the award reflected on her work in ultrasound governance, education and workforce strategy

Catherine Kirkpatrick said the award reflected on her work in ultrasound governance, education and workforce strategy

Two members of the radiography workforce have been recognised in the 2026 Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO) Gold Awards for Excellence.

Consultant sonographer Catherine Kirkpatrick and Therapeutic Radiographer Benjamin Roe were two of nine award recipients in a list that also included a dietitian, an orthopedist and a paramedic.

The CAHPO Gold Awards are designed to acknowledge and reward significant and pioneering contributions within the Allied Health Professional (AHP) community in England.

Catherine said the award was a reflection of her work in reinforcing ultrasound governance, education and workforce strategy locally and nationally. “Ultimately, my aim has been to make ultrasound services safer, more sustainable and better supported and to advocate for those working in them,” she said.

“Receiving the Gold Award is an incredible honour, and one that highlights the impact that consultant practitioners and AHP leaders can have on patient care.”

Ben’s nominations highlighted the “transformative impact” his work has had on the AHP community. He is a clinical quality and improvement regional director at NHS England South West and has previously held leadership roles in academia, commissioning and strategic information.

“My key message to other members is that radiographers have really strong expertise in the quality (safety, experience and outcomes) space, and these skills are very much transferable outside of our usual workplaces,” Ben said.

Radiographers during Ramadan: Hajara Begum

Hajara Begum is a a Band 7 practice educator radiographer at East Surrey Hospital

Hajara Begum is a a Band 7 practice educator radiographer at East Surrey Hospital

During Ramadan, the SoR highlighted radiographers who were observing the holy period.

Ramadan is a month-long religious festival that occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is marked by Muslims with fasting and prayer.

SoR News interviewed Hajara Begum, a Band 7 practice educator radiographer at East Surrey Hospital, about what it is like to work as a radiographer while observing Ramadan. Hajara revealed that waking up in the morning is one of the most meaningful parts of Ramadan for her.

“The waking up in the morning is so meaningful for me in Ramadan because you wake up so early to pray and eat, and then the fact that this is the month where you are motivated to do more good deeds, such as giving to charity or just even being kind to someone, because you get double the reward during this time,” she said.

“This influences my work as a radiographer and particularly as a practice educator because I am teaching students and I am giving them the knowledge, especially during Ramadan, which we believe is so special.”

Radiographers during Lent: Rev Rob Stewart

Rob Stewart reflects on what the Lenten season means to him, image via Rev Rob Stewart

Rob Stewart reflects on what the Lenten season means to him, image via Rev Rob Stewart

This year, Ramadan and Lent began within hours of each other. Revd Rob Stewart, a retired radiographer and a priest in the Church of England in Derby, shared with Synergy what the Lenten period is like for Christian radiographers.

“Many Christians also fast during Lent, but it is far more common now for someone to 'give up' something or to deliberately take up an activity or challenge during the period of Lent where Christians remember Jesus Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness as part of our preparations for Easter,” Rob wrote. “A common practice is to give up all meat for the period of Lent.”

“As Ramadan ends with Eid, so for Christians, Lent ends with the Easter celebrations, where we celebrate the empty tomb and new life. Mainly recognised in society in modern times by easter eggs and bright animal pictures. In our churches, it is a joyous celebration.”

Rob added that he had made a concerted effort to be more involved in supporting his students and colleagues during Lent: “In clinical practice, I often chose Lent to be a special time of being more active in supporting my colleagues and students, often taking the more challenging cases first or passing up my chance for breaks to keep the department operating smoothly.”

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026: Senior radiographer Ruth Strickland

Ruth Strickland shares her experience of having AuDHD and working as an MRI radiographer

Ruth Strickland shares her experience of having AuDHD and working as an MRI radiographer

As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026, the Society highlighted Ruth Strickland, a senior radiographer in MRI and a member of the SoR.

Ruth has AuDHD, meaning that she has a dual diagnosis of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “I was late diagnosed as an adult for both autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, which is common for both women and Gen X adults,” Ruth shared. “My brain is constantly wanting to learn new things, which professionally and personally means I'm always seeking out new information.”

“My brain is, by default, wired to be an out-of-the-box thinker, which comes in useful when trying to navigate the day-to-day changes needed at work. I've also got lived experience, which helps me understand and support neurodivergent colleagues and patients alike.”

For Ruth, inclusion means being recognised for her abilities and feeling valued. “Ideally, I want to feel and be treated as a valuable member of a team, recognising that I have a unique skill set. Some days I may need more understanding than others, as each day is different.

“More and more patients are feeling comfortable sharing their neurodivergence with us as professionals. This feels like a really positive step forward.”

Therapeutic Radiographer inspires children’s book

Jemma was inspired to approach an author to write a book that introduced children to all 14 AHPs, image Reggie (L) and Jemma Yarnton-Peacock (R), via ESNEFT

Jemma was inspired to approach an author to write a book that introduced children to all 14 AHPs, image Reggie (L) and Jemma Yarnton-Peacock (R), via ESNEFT

A Therapeutic Radiographer has inspired a children’s book about Allied Health Professionals (AHPs)

Jemma Yarnton-Peacock, an AHP faculty lead for East Suffolk and North Essex Integrated Care System, approached a children’s author about writing a book about AHP roles after taking part in an innovation fellowship with the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).

Children’s author Matt King wrote and illustrated ‘Who will you be?’, which introduces children to all 14 AHP roles.

“There was lots of literature on doctors and nurses and a few on individual AHP roles such as paramedics,” Jemma said. “Significant efforts and resources go into improving awareness of AHP careers and pathways in secondary school and further education.

“What if we could improve awareness and increase health literacy at the earliest possible point with young children?”

The book was launched in February at Rushmere Hall Primary School to around 120 children. Jemma’s son, Reggie, was one of the first children to read the book.

“This book is something we are incredibly proud of,” said Penny Cason, director of AHPs at ESNEFT and chief AHP for Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care System. “Jemma’s creativity and commitment resulted in a resource that will inspire children, families and schools, while showcasing the vital contribution AHPs make to health and care.”

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Image credit: Getty Images

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