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‘Concerned but not surprised’ – SoR responds to trust's one-third jump in violent attacks
Rhys Martin, health and safety policy officer at the SoR
Rhys Martin, health and safety policy officer at the SoR
More than 800 members of staff across University Hospitals Tees, which incorporates South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, have experienced some form of assault from patients, relatives or the public in the course of their duties.
The Society of Radiographers has shared its concern over the news radiographers and other healthcare professionals in Tees have seen a 32 per cent rise in violent attacks from patients.
In response, University Hospitals Tees has launched a campaign to combat violence against workers, featuring emotive messages from children and grandchildren of staff on posters and social media.
Rhys Martin, health and safety policy officer at the SoR, said: “The society is concerned, but sadly not surprised, to hear of examples of increased violence and aggression incidents in NHS workplaces. As a trade union we continue to work to support our representatives to hold employers to account on how they protect their staff from the risks of violence and aggression.”
The Christie Hospital becomes first in UK to use VR to distract children during radiotherapy
As part of a two-year project, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the specialist cancer centre, is using a virtual reality headset as distraction therapy to reduce cancer treatment-related anxiety in children aged between seven and 16.
Since being launched in March the headset, classed as a grade 1 medical device, has been used more than 20 times.
The headset immerses the child in a 3D multi-sensory environment, acting as a distraction from the discomfort of the treatment.
Children are using the headset when undergoing clinical procedures including cannulation, injections, blood tests and dressing changes, as well as radiotherapy or proton beam therapy treatment for cancers other than brain tumours (as these patients have to wear a mask over their faces).
So far patients have reported a 45 per cent reduction in anxiety since using the headset.
https://www.sor.org/news/radiotherapy/the-christie-hospital-becomes-first-in-uk-to-use-v
NI becomes first UK region to achieve total diagnostic imaging accreditation
Health trusts in Northern Ireland have now had all of their diagnostic imaging services accredited.
NI health minister Mike Nesbitt has praised the trusts, congratulating them on the many years of hard work by highly trained radiographers, consultant radiologists and other allied health professionals.
He added that he was proud of their dedication to providing essential services to the local population.
Quality Standards for Imaging (QSI) sets national quality criteria for imaging services. It is a collaboration between The Royal College of Radiologists and the College of Radiographers to improve the quality of care for people attending an imaging service.
Nesbitt added: “Accreditation against a recognised imaging standard such as the QSI is an important quality indicator, both for imaging departments and clinical services, and is an important driver for ensuring standardisation in practice across Northern Ireland against regulations and best clinical practice."
SoR seeks ‘respected, energetic and enthusiastic’ radiographers for advisory groups
Expressions of interest are invited from SoR members who would like to be considered for appointment to positions across the society’s advisory groups.
Applications will be taken from all sections of the radiography community and from all four UK countries.
Those wishing to apply must be: in good standing with the SoR (as evidenced by a strong membership record); respected and held in high esteem by their peers; excellent collaborators and active team/board members; energetic and enthusiastic in relation to the profession/education; and able and willing to devote time and energy to the group between meetings by email and other electronic means and be able to attend up to two meetings per year – one virtual and one in person in London.
Vacancies are available for groups including consultant radiographers, diagnostic imaging, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, nuclear medicine and molecular, radiotherapy, radiographic informatics, ultrasound, research and the Insight Editorial Board.
Please complete this form to submit your application before Friday 19 July at 5pm.
CoR and RCR launch updated QSI improvement scheme: ‘Innovative, collaborative, superior’
The Quality Standard for Imaging scheme has received an update and refresh to ensure ongoing, high-quality assessment of imaging services.
Now relaunched, the Quality Standard for Imaging Quality Mark scheme, a collaboration between the College of Radiographers (CoR) and The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) will unlock greater benefits and support for imaging services seeking accreditation, said the CoR.
The updated scheme is designed to support imaging services in delivering changes that benefit frontline teams and patients alike. The scheme is now open for registration by imaging services.
Charlotte Beardmore, executive director of professional policy for the SoR | CoR, said: “We are thrilled to introduce our innovative QSI scheme, fostering a collaborative approach to quality enhancement. I am certain our robust processes and ample resources will facilitate a superior scheme, enriching the support we extend to services adopting the QSI.”
The scheme now includes a QSI Hub for expert info and an in-house assessment scheme.
https://www.sor.org/news/imaging/cor-and-rcr-launch-updated-qsi-quality-improvement
Applications open for the 2024 Chesney Research Fund for imaging and radiotherapy
Noreen and Murial Chesney
Noreen and Murial Chesney
The Chesney Research Fund aims to “promote research that helps encourage evidence-based practice and improve the standards of delivery and practise in medical imaging and radiotherapy”.
For 2024, the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) is looking for applications based around the theme of ‘Addressing the global shortage of radiographers/radiological technologists’.
Richard Evans, CEO of the Society of Radiographers, said: “The Chesney Award is made possible through a bequest made to the ISRRT. It marks the remarkable radiography careers of Noreen and Muriel Chesney and is fittingly organised to encourage research connected with the profession.”
The grant offers £1,500 for one-year projects and £3,000 for two-year projects.
Launched in 2016, the fund commemorates the twin Chesney sisters, Noreen and Murial, who were famed in the radiography world as joint authors of several textbooks and papers, as well as being experienced and respected teachers.
Full details of the Research Fund guidelines and application form can be found at http://www.isrrt.org
Rachel Nolan selected as SoR’s next vice president
Rachel Nolan is a qualified radiographer and sonographer with more than 30 years of experience in the profession.
Now that she has won the ballot, Ms. Nolan will serve as vice president from mid-2024 for one year, then as president-elect for one year, before finally becoming president in mid-2026.
Ms. Nolan said: “I was shocked and really excited. It’s a huge honour especially as it’s voted for by the members. I am proud to represent radiographers everywhere.”
She said that over the coming year she will work closely with other members of the presidential team to address issues affecting the Society and its members.
She added: “One of my aims is to ensure we have a resilient Society fit for whatever the future holds. With the recent change in government this is even more paramount, as we do not know what this will mean for ourselves and the wider NHS.
Update on Society of Radiographers and the NHS England Professional Bodies Reform Contract
As reported in the June edition of Synergy work is underway on the NHS England Professional Bodies Reform Contract. This ambitious programme aims to support the development of the imaging and radiotherapy workforce. This news story is to update members about some of the specific projects within the programme and who the Society has commissioned, following a competitive process, to lead and deliver each project.
1. Creating the climate to maintain supply
Associate professor, Elaine Wilkinson and her team at the University of Bradford are exploring the current use of simulation-based training within diagnostic radiography including perceived benefits and risks. Following extensive research, the team will develop a simulation model, template and evaluation proforma to support future piloting of simulation-based training. The project will conclude in January 2025 with a final report and dissemination plan. Associate professor, Dr Emma Hyde, University of Derby, and team are developing a standardised e-portfolio within the region which could be used to clinically assess pre-registration diagnostic radiography students. The team is currently reviewing standardised assessment approaches and will go on to develop and deploy an online tool.
2. Support workforce
Professor Richard Griffin, Penny Owens, and John Gale are overseeing a large programme to enable employers to optimise the contribution of their supportive and assistive imaging and radiotherapy workforce. This includes widening participation and engagement in the profession, and also ensuring staff have rewarding careers and opportunities to progress.
3. Preceptorship in Radiography: Cross-sectional scoping of profession-specific needs
Associate professor Helen White, from Birmingham City University, and team are leading a scoping project concerning preceptorship in diagnostic and therapeutic radiography. Work has begun collecting and analysing data relating to early career preceptees and the impact of preceptorship on retention. A final report, to be published later this year, will report on profession-specific needs and requirements. This work will inform the development of Society and College of Radiographers guidance.
6. Career Development Framework
Melanie Clarkson, Sheffield Hallam University, and Professor Dr Beverly Snaith, University of Bradford, are collaborating on two projects exploring enhanced, advanced and consultant practice. These will explore the clinical challenges related to workforce and service delivery and identify aspirations for enhanced provision.
If you would like any further information about these projects, please contact pande@sor.org
Image credits:
Eva Slusarek
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Luis Alvarez/DigitalVision/Getty Images
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