The Royal College of Radiologists' (RCR) 2024 clinical radiology and clinical oncology workforce census reveals that the shortfalls in both workforces stands at 29% and 15%, respectively. These are each set to rise to 39% and 19% by 2029, should no action be taken. 

The RCR says the deficits are the product of ‘chronic under-investment in staff, which coincides with spiking demand for our expertise'. The 4.2% growth in the radiology consultant workforce in 2024 was dwarfed by an 8% increase in the number of CT and MRI scans performed.

In addition, the research shows that 9 in 10 cancer centre heads of service said that patients are experiencing delays to begin radiotherapy or SACT due to staffing shortages.

The RCR said: ‘Expanding the radiology and oncology workforces is essential and non-negotiable. The message of the census is clear: we need more staff.  

‘But it is also true that, given demand trends and the financial and practical constraints facing the NHS, we are unlikely to train enough people to plug the workforce shortfall. So, we must focus not only on workforce growth but on making best use of the expertise of our consultant radiologists and oncologists. This includes looking carefully at the way we spend our time at work and understanding where we add most value.'

In response, Liberal Democrat health and social care spokesperson Helen Morgan, said: ‘This report should be yet another wake-up call for ministers that they cannot ignore the crisis in cancer any longer. We are seeing waiting times grow longer and the rate of early diagnosis stall, with the Government at risk of sleepwalking through a disaster while patients face dangerous delays and overstretched NHS staff are left at breaking point.

‘If the Government doesn't take its head out of the sand and act now, it is patients who will pay the price. The upcoming NHS workforce plan must rapidly expand the number of cancer nurses and modernise treatment before more lives are put at risk.'