Radiologist Shortage in Wales Threatens Cancer Scan Timelines
A 28% shortfall of radiologists in NHS Wales is prompting warnings that delays could let cancers worsen.
The Royal College of Radiologists has warned that NHS Wales is operating with 88 fewer radiologists than required, representing a 28% shortfall.
For the first time the college has reported that some patients’ conditions are “deteriorating” while waiting for diagnostic scans and tests.
Radiologists are doctors who specialise in using images to diagnose and manage medical conditions and diseases.
Betsi Cadwaladr health board, which covers one of the areas most affected by shortages, says recruitment is ongoing and that, despite a substantial increase in demand for scans, reporting times have improved.
Beverly Scott, diagnosed with ovarian and peritoneal cancer 14 years ago, says her treatment is keeping her condition stable but that without timely scans the disease could spread unnoticed. She was given five years to live at diagnosis and has taken part in medical trials at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
"You are anxious to know has the cancer spread, and until you get those results, that is going round in your head all the while," says Beverly Scott
Scott adds that she has lived with scans for the past 14 years and that delays could allow the cancer to spread further, rendering treatments ineffective.
Another member of the Pwllheli and Pen Llŷn cancer support group, Karen Jones, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, later with colon cancer, and saw her breast cancer return in 2021.
"Waiting for results is the worst part, will it be clear or not? It is terrible, horrific and horrendous. You are in total limbo."
The shortage of radiologists therefore poses a direct threat to the timely monitoring that patients say is essential to managing their disease.
