The United Kingdom Imaging and Oncology conference has played host to the cutting edge of radiographic technology since its launch in 2019, and 2024’s programme of practice-based content looks to continue that legacy.
Taking place from 10-12 June at the ACC Liverpool conference centre, UKIO hosts three days of continuing professional development and a professional exhibition of the latest equipment, services and technology provided by key suppliers in diagnostic imaging and oncology.
Industry partners also contribute to the programme through their own sessions, in collaborative meetings and in educational activities run from their stands.
To give you the best insight into the event, Synergy spoke with some of the team behind the conference to find out what radiographers should be looking forward to.
All events and details of the exhibition can be found in the full UKIO programme here.
Patient voice and workforce wellbeing
This year’s theme is ‘Vision and values: putting people virst,’ emphasising the importance of the patient voice alongside that of radiographers.
Emma Hyde, UKIO president, explained the scientific programme created by this year’s working party has “two golden threads” – patient voice and workforce wellbeing – which align with the conference’s theme.
“Building on the success of the patient sessions we introduced at the 2023 event, we have invited several people with lived experience to be part of the 2024 programme, and to share their stories and experiences of imaging and oncology services,” Emma said.
“These people will share their experiences of conditions such as breast cancer, chronic kidney disease and glioblastoma, as a patient or carer.
“I hope that these sessions will help us all to reflect on how we can improve patient care and service delivery, by hearing ‘what matters’ from our lived experience speakers and delegates.”
She added the working party has been “acutely aware” of the challenges facing its colleagues every day: ongoing waiting list pressure, backlogs exacerbated by the pandemic, and ongoing disputes around pay and conditions.
“We know that rates of stress and burnout are, unfortunately, increasing within the radiography profession,” Emma said. “And we know when people are stressed or burned out, it can impact on their relationships with others, whether that be patients or colleagues.
“So at UKIO 2024 we aim to provide a safe space for delegates to improve their well-being. We will have speakers focussing on different aspects of workforce well-being, for example supporting colleagues with breaking bad news, providing advice for dealing with suspected physical abuse situations, and managing work related stress. And we will have spaces within the venue dedicated to well-being activities such as meditation.
“Because when we say our theme for 2024 is putting people first, we mean all people. The patients we care for and the people we work with.”
What to watch out for
The Society of Radiographers is hosting the following special events:
- Imaging and Oncology Launch (Partner Stand)
- Partner Stand Education Programme
- Quality Standard for Imaging relaunch
- Partner Stand Mixer event
- CoRIPs Mixer event
- Eponymous Lecture Series (Stanley Melville, William Stripp and Martine Jackson)
- SoR Leadership Mentoring Scheme special presentation
- CoR Formal Radiography Research Mentoring Scheme special presentation
- Student Outreach Event
Other events SoR members should look out for include the Research Hub and the ‘Pitch Your Project’ sessions, new initiatives this year which seek to increase the profile of research and encourage radiographers to get involved with service improvement, project audits or other kinds of research.
The Research Hub provides an opportunity to take part in research projects, while the ‘Pitch Your Project’ event allows attendees to hear people pitch their project, audit or idea for service improvement, with the potential to win up to £5,000 of funding.
Emma also talked to Synergy to emphasise what it was radiographers can look forward to.
She said: “UKIO 2024 will have something for all radiographers, no matter what your role or level of seniority is. You can choose to focus on the technical exhibition, and meet industry partners, or the scientific programme, where we have some exciting sessions planned, or split your time between the two.”
Emma advised radiographers to look out for keynote speakers Dr Tammy Boyce, from the Institute for Health Equity on Monday 10 June, and Dr Kath Halliday, president of the Royal College of Radiologists on Wednesday 12 June.
Dr Boyce’s talk is entitled “Why you can think about reducing health inequalities.”She is co-author of the IHE's 2010 Fair Society: Healthy Lives.
Dr Halliday, meanwhile, is giving a speech entitled “Current and future challenges for the imaging and oncology workforce.” Dr Halliday is a consultant paediatric radiologist at Nottingham University Hospital
Tuesday’s plenary discussion, meanwhile, will have three keynote speakers: Dr Rachel Clarke (author of the book and TV series Breathtaking), Darren McGarvey (social commentator, author, and poet) and Leanne Adu from the charity Black Women Rising.
Dr Clarke is a palliative care doctor and author of three books, including Dear Life, which depicts her work in an NHS hospice, and Breathtaking, which has recently been made into an ITV series.
Her talk is entitled “Dying with dignity at home in an overstretched NHS.”
Leanne Adu, meanwhile, will open Tuesday’s panel session with her talk “Black Women Rising: Breast cancer and me,” which discusses how everything changed for Leanne when she found a lump in her chest in 2020.
These speeches will be followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
Emma said: “I think our speakers’ stories will resonate with delegates and prompt some interesting questions about how health inequalities impact on care, and what we can do differently to minimise this.”
Session H1, “Steps to Workforce Wellness,” is also one Emma said she was looking forward to. A speaker from Doctors in Distress, a charity supporting mental health in healthcare professionals, will give a talk, followed by a performance from theatre company Pluto Productions, an extract from their play Hello, my name is.
Emma explained: “The aim of the session is to help us all think about our mental health, and how we can look after it.”
Emma also emphasised radiographers should plan ahead, look at the scientific programme and think about which sessions they want to attend and which exhibitors they would like to talk to.
This can all be done on the UKIO 2024 conference app, which helps users create a schedule and book appointments with exhibitors.
She concluded: “I hope that everyone attending UKIO 2024 – delegates, speakers, and industry partners – will leave the conference feeling re-energised. Our aim is to not just provide a technical exhibition and scientific conference programme, but to also help delegates recharge their own batteries, and think about their wellbeing.”
What to watch out for
The Society of Radiographers is hosting the following special events:
- Imaging and Oncology Launch (Partner Stand)
- Partner Stand Education Programme
- Quality Standard for Imaging relaunch
- Partner Stand Mixer event
- CoRIPs Mixer event
- Eponymous Lecture Series (Stanley Melville, William Stripp and Martine Jackson)
- SoR Leadership Mentoring Scheme special presentation
- CoR Formal Radiography Research Mentoring Scheme special presentation
- Student Outreach Event
Other events SoR members should look out for include the Research Hub and the ‘Pitch Your Project’ sessions, new initiatives this year which seek to increase the profile of research and encourage radiographers to get involved with service improvement, project audits or other kinds of research.
The Research Hub provides an opportunity to take part in research projects, while the ‘Pitch Your Project’ event allows attendees to hear people pitch their project, audit or idea for service improvement, with the potential to win up to £5,000 of funding.
Emma also talked to Synergy to emphasise what it was radiographers can look forward to.
She said: “UKIO 2024 will have something for all radiographers, no matter what your role or level of seniority is. You can choose to focus on the technical exhibition, and meet industry partners, or the scientific programme, where we have some exciting sessions planned, or split your time between the two.”
Emma advised radiographers to look out for keynote speakers Dr Tammy Boyce, from the Institute for Health Equity on Monday 10 June, and Dr Kath Halliday, president of the Royal College of Radiologists on Wednesday 12 June.
Dr Boyce’s talk is entitled “Why you can think about reducing health inequalities.” She is co-author of the IHE's 2010 Fair Society: Healthy Lives.
Dr Halliday, meanwhile, is giving a speech entitled “Current and future challenges for the imaging and oncology workforce.” Dr Halliday is a consultant paediatric radiologist at Nottingham University Hospital
Tuesday’s plenary discussion, meanwhile, will have three keynote speakers: Dr Rachel Clarke (author of the book and TV series Breathtaking), Darren McGarvey (social commentator, author, and poet) and Leanne Adu from the charity Black Women Rising.
Dr Clarke is a palliative care doctor and author of three books, including Dear Life, which depicts her work in an NHS hospice, and Breathtaking, which has recently been made into an ITV series.
Her talk is entitled “Dying with dignity at home in an overstretched NHS.”
Leanne Adu, meanwhile, will open Tuesday’s panel session with her talk “Black Women Rising: Breast cancer and me,” which discusses how everything changed for Leanne when she found a lump in her chest in 2020.
These speeches will be followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
Emma said: “I think our speakers’ stories will resonate with delegates and prompt some interesting questions about how health inequalities impact on care, and what we can do differently to minimise this.”
Session H1, “Steps to Workforce Wellness,” is also one Emma said she was looking forward to. A speaker from Doctors in Distress, a charity supporting mental health in healthcare professionals, will give a talk, followed by a performance from theatre company Pluto Productions, an extract from their play Hello, my name is.
Emma explained: “The aim of the session is to help us all think about our mental health, and how we can look after it.”
Moreover, Emma emphasised radiographers should plan ahead, look at the scientific programme and think about which sessions they want to attend and which exhibitors they would like to talk to.
This can all be done on the UKIO 2024 conference app, which helps users create a schedule and book appointments with exhibitors.
She concluded: “I hope that everyone attending UKIO 2024 – delegates, speakers, and industry partners – will leave the conference feeling re-energised. Our aim is to not just provide a technical exhibition and scientific conference programme, but to also help delegates recharge their own batteries, and think about their wellbeing.”
‘A huge range of experiences’
Charlotte Beardmore, executive director of professional policy at the SoR, said: “The programme has a huge range of invited expert speakers with lectures covering AI, education and training, lived experience, workforce development and wellbeing.
“This comes together with refresher-based clinical sessions, hands-on and case-based workshops. This year sees the return of the research hub, proffered papers and large e-poster display, plus a free day on Wednesday for students.
“At UKIO the Society and College of Radiographers has the opportunity to hold three of its memorial lectures and we look forward to hearing from our three eminent speakers.”
- On Monday, the Stanley Melville Memorial lecture which will be delivered by Professor Marc Griffiths: “Footsteps for our future - societal impact”
- On Tuesday, the William Stripp memorial lecture focuses on meeting the demands of musculoskeletal ultrasound education and is delivered by Lorelei Waring
- On Wednesday, the College of Radiographers Martine Jackson Memorial Lecture is titled: “Setup errors to patient comfort in radiotherapy – a journey of discovery,” by Simon Goldsworthy
Charlotte also recommended attendees to meet the College of Radiographers Chair, Dr Marcus Jackson, on Wednesday at 9.50am, alongside members of the Patient Advisory Group for a “very interesting” session entitled “Patient Voice: Navigating the NHS digital first policy.” An individual lived experience will be shared and delegates will be able to be part of an interactive workshop.
The SoR also has an important reciprocal lecture with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). This year the invited speaker delivering the ASRT lecture is Dr Maria Dimopoulos, assistant professor, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai presenting their research “Identifying radiation therapist perceptions of potentially triggering aspects of care for sexual violence survivors undergoing radiotherapy.”
Charlotte added: “Finally, calling all managers and leaders, the College of Radiographers is hosting a detailed session, led by Kathryn Williamson, to consider how the Education Career Framework can support you in helping your staff consider their professional career pathways. This session is on Monday at 4.45pm – look out for it!”
In addition there will be focused sessions on innovation, technology and service delivery from the industry partners, and more opportunity to learn by attending College of Radiographers CPD Now-endorsed “Education on the Stand.”
“Education on the Stand” will kick off with the launch of Imaging & Oncology (I&O) on Monday at 10.15am.
A prestigious publication produced annually by the SoR, I&O features 10 to 12 thought-provoking articles affecting and/or influencing radiography professions.
Charlotte added: “The current editor, Professor Ruth Strudwick, has done an outstanding job during her six-year tenure as editor, and Ruth will be launching this 2024 edition and showcasing the digital content.
“As Ruth’s term of office draws to a close after this publication, we will also celebrate and thank Ruth for her brilliant commitment to this publication.”
Education on the stand will also include an overview of the Education Career Framework, and a celebration of the College’s Clinical Imaging e-learning with over 500 sessions now live.
There will be a launch of the Advanced Practice Community Special Interest Group, by Mel Clarkson and Kim Whitlock, and updates on the support workforce guidance the Society is planning this year from Sue Johnson and Penny Owens plus much more. The UKIO app contains all the details.
Later on Monday, the College of Radiographers and the Royal College of Radiologists will launch the Quality Standard for Imaging Quality Mark in the innovation hub. Charlotte, together with Dr Stephen Harden, vice president of the Royal College of Radiologists, will invite colleagues to learn more about the joint colleges' exciting and important rebranded scheme.
The Doctoral Den in the service delivery hub is “always a highlight of UKIO”, Charlotte continued.
This year Dr Rachel Harris, head of professional practice and education and Dr Tracy O’Regan, professional officer of clinical imaging and research with the SoR, are leading the work with colleagues from the College of Radiographers research advisory group.
Charlotte said: “There is usually a packed house, so arrive in time to grab a seat, to share, to network and to learn. The session is aimed at those wishing to develop their publishing skills during their doctoral journey.”
Video recap from UKIO 2022
‘A huge range of experiences’
Charlotte Beardmore, executive director of professional policy at the SoR, said: “The programme has a huge range of invited expert speakers with lectures covering AI, education and training, lived experience, workforce development and wellbeing.
“This comes together with refresher-based clinical sessions, hands-on and case-based workshops. This year sees the return of the research hub, proffered papers and large e-poster display, plus a free day on Wednesday for students.
“At UKIO the Society and College of Radiographers has the opportunity to hold three of its memorial lectures and we look forward to hearing from our three eminent speakers.”
- On Monday, the Stanley Melville Memorial lecture which will be delivered by Professor Marc Griffiths: “Footsteps for our future - societal impact”
- On Tuesday, the William Stripp memorial lecture focuses on meeting the demands of musculoskeletal ultrasound education and is delivered by Lorelei Waring
- On Wednesday, the College of Radiographers Martine Jackson Memorial Lecture is titled: “Setup errors to patient comfort in radiotherapy – a journey of discovery,” by Simon Goldsworthy
Charlotte also recommended attendees to meet the College of Radiographers Chair, Dr Marcus Jackson, on Wednesday at 9.50am, alongside members of the Patient Advisory Group for a “very interesting” session entitled “Patient Voice: Navigating the NHS digital first policy.” An individual lived experience will be shared and delegates will be able to be part of an interactive workshop.
The SoR also has an important reciprocal lecture with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). This year the invited speaker delivering the ASRT lecture is Dr Maria Dimopoulos, assistant professor, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai presenting their research “Identifying radiation therapist perceptions of potentially triggering aspects of care for sexual violence survivors undergoing radiotherapy.”
She added: “Finally, calling all managers and leaders, the College of Radiographers is hosting a detailed session, led by Kathryn Williamson, to consider how the Education Career Framework can support you in helping your staff consider their professional career pathways. This session is on Monday at 4.45pm – look out for it!”
In addition there will be focused sessions on innovation, technology and service delivery from the industry partners, and more opportunity to learn by attending College of Radiographers CPD Now-endorsed “Education on the Stand.”
“Education on the Stand” will kick off with the launch of Imaging & Oncology (I&O) on Monday at 10.15am.
A prestigious publication produced annually by the SoR, I&O features 10 to 12 thought-provoking articles affecting and/or influencing radiography professions.
Charlotte added: “The current editor, Professor Ruth Strudwick, has done an outstanding job during her six-year tenure as editor, and Ruth will be launching this 2024 edition and showcasing the digital content.
“As Ruth’s term of office draws to a close after this publication. we will also celebrate and thank Ruth for her brilliant commitment to this publication.”
Education on the Stand will also include an overview of the Education Career Framework, and a celebration of the College’s Clinical Imaging e-learning with over 500 sessions now live.
There will be a launch of the Advanced Practice Community Special Interest Group, by Mel Clarkson and Kim Whitlock, and updates on the support workforce guidance the Society is planning this year from Sue Johnson and Penny Owens plus much more. The UKIO app contains all the details.
Later on Monday, the College of Radiographers and the Royal College of Radiologists will launch the Quality Standard for Imaging Quality Mark in the innovation hub. Charlotte, together with Dr Stephen Harden, vice president of the Royal College of Radiologists, will invite colleagues to learn more about the joint colleges exciting and important rebranded scheme.
The Doctoral Den in the service delivery hub is “always a highlight of UKIO,”Charlotte continued.
This year Dr Rachel Harris, head of Professional Practice and Education, and Dr Tracy O’Regan, professional officer of Clinical Imaging and Research with the SoR, are leading the work with colleagues from the College of Radiographers research advisory group.
Charlotte said: “There is usually a packed house, so arrive in time to grab a seat, to share, to network and to learn. The session is aimed at those wishing to develop their publishing skills during their doctoral journey.”
From behind the scenes
Fiona Bond, a Therapeutic Radiographer at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was part of the working party organising UKIO this year.
She explained that she originally saw an advert on X (formerly Twitter) asking people to apply last September.
Fiona added: “I have learned a lot from being part of the team and how much work goes into organising this huge event. The working party consists of many different professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and experience, meeting regularly to plan and organise the speakers and assess proffered papers and posters for the event.”
With so much to do and see, Fiona found UKIO’s schedule allowed people to choose which sessions they would like to attend and which would entice them to listen to other professionals, which they would normally be unable to attend.
She said: “This will be my first time attending the conference, and I will be involved in chairing two sessions, one on proffered papers around ‘patient centred care in radiotherapy’ and another on 'obstetrics and gynaecology update.’
“I will also be assisting in judging the proffered papers and the e-posters. I am mostly looking forward to networking with old friends and new. I think it is a great opportunity for those attending to enhance their knowledge, not only around their own profession but around others. It will allow attendees to create contacts with other professionals and exhibitors.
“This will also be a fantastic opportunity for all professionals to increase their CPD and return to their own departments with new enthusiasm on how they could improve and adapt their services for patient and staff well-being. I am very much looking forward to attending UKIO in the next few weeks.”
Katie Thompson, vice president of the Society of Radiographers, added that her attendance last year had left her “blown away” by the quality and variety of experiences on show at the conference.
She emphasised that UKIO covers topics that may not necessarily be linked to day-to-day work, but that can give attendees a better understanding of other modalities and treatment pathways that will enhance the general learning experience.
She added: “The selection of lectures was amazing, the app was great to help choose where you wanted to go and really helped keep you on track to not miss anything, the demonstration areas were interesting with workshops running during the day and at lunch times. Many varied stands covering research, phantoms, AI, QI, PACs, medical physics to name a few.
“Great networking opportunities and the plethora of poster submissions to peruse through. Also great to top up your pen stocks!”
… And much more
Aside from exhibitions, specialist lecturers, and hands-on training, UKIO will feature unique opportunities and events for radiographers to take part in.
These include industry partner Philips’ showcase of its latest patient-centric, sustainable and precise radiology solutions – it is asking radiographers to join it on stand A4, to find out more about how it is giving healthcare professionals time to focus on patients.
Meanwhile, Dr Khan’s Teaching will be hosting masterclasses to take trainees through navigating their Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) exam.
Also as part of UKIO, Tuesday night will see which attendee becomes champion of the Great UKIO Quiz.
The social event will be held at Camp & Furnace, in the heart of the Baltic Triangle and just a short walk from the congress venue.
The evening will include street food stalls and be followed by a DJ and dancing. Tickets are just £25 and include food.
Charlotte concluded: “The added benefit of being at UKIO is the huge opportunity to network, to chat, and to connect with existing and new colleagues. A bonus for me is that many of the sessions are being recorded; usually I enjoy the networking too much and miss those key lectures I’d either intended to be at, or where the sessions overlap and there are just too many of interest!
“The Society of Radiographers will be well represented at UKIO, so do drop by our stand, come and say hello, and meet and talk with the team. I hope to see you there! Most of all, enjoy the fantastic motivational opportunity that being at such an event offers.”
… And much more
Aside from exhibitions, specialist lecturers, and hands-on training, UKIO will feature unique opportunities and events for radiographers to take part in.
These include industry partner Philips’ showcase of its latest patient-centric, sustainable and precise radiology solutions – it is asking radiographers to join it on stand A4, to find out more about how it is giving healthcare professionals time to focus on patients.
Meanwhile, Dr Khan’s Teaching will be hosting masterclasses to take trainees through navigating their Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) exam.
Also as part of UKIO, Tuesday night will see which attendee becomes champion of the Great UKIO Quiz.
The social event will be held at Camp & Furnace, in the heart of the Baltic Triangle and just a short walk from the congress venue.
The evening will include street food stalls and be followed by a DJ and dancing. Tickets are just £25 and include food.
Charlotte concluded: “The added benefit of being at UKIO is the huge opportunity to network, to chat, and to connect with existing and new colleagues. A bonus for me is that many of the sessions are being recorded; usually I enjoy the networking too much and miss those key lectures I’d either intended to be at, or where the sessions overlap and there are just too many of interest!
“The Society of Radiographers will be well represented at UKIO, so do drop by our stand, come and say hello, and meet and talk with the team. I hope to see you there! Most of all, enjoy the fantastic motivational opportunity that being at such an event offers.”
More about UKIO
Taking place at ACC Liverpool from 10-12 June, UKIO is £150 for a full congress ticket for a radiographer, or £75 for a student ticket.
The full congress ticket gives access to the whole scientific programme and the technical exhibition.
Team tickets are also on offer, which can be shared between three radiographers, one per day of the conference, or visitors attend for free on Wednesday only.
Exhibition only tickets are just £30 per day.
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