Health Strategist Institute (HSI)
for continuous transformation in health strategy
and digital health
Joaquim Cardoso MSc.
Senior Research and Strategy Officer (CRSO) —
for the Health Strategy Research
Chief Editor — for the Health Strategy Review
Chief Advisor — for the Health Strategy Advisory
July 25, 2023
What is the central message?
Thousands of radiographers in England are going on a two-day strike in July to address critical issues related to low pay, long working hours, and the lack of recruitment and retention of radiography professionals.
The strike is intended to put pressure on the government to engage in meaningful discussions and take action to improve the working conditions and attract new candidates to the profession.
The strike, coupled with ongoing industrial action by junior and senior doctors, poses significant challenges for the NHS and raises concerns about patient care and healthcare operations.
The central message emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize the concerns of radiographers to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services.
Executive Summary
This is an executive summary of the article “Radiographers in England to stage two-day strike in July”, published by “The Guardian”, and authored by “Rachel Hall”
In July, thousands of radiographers in England are set to stage a two-day strike, adding further strain on hospitals already facing industrial action from junior and senior doctors. The strike will take place from 8 am on 25th July to 8 am on 27th July in NHS trusts where union members voted in favor of the action.
The Society of Radiographers (SoR) initiated the strike to address pressing issues concerning low pay and long working hours for radiography professionals. The lack of recruitment and retention of radiographers is a significant concern, leading to burnout and a shortage of staff in the profession. As a result, there are approximately one million patients waiting for radiography services.
While the Scottish government managed to avert upcoming strikes by offering junior doctors an improved 12.4% pay rise, the SoR’s efforts to engage in “meaningful discussions” with the government on these matters were met with no concrete proposals.
Radiographers play a crucial role in supporting 9 out of 10 NHS patients, conducting essential tasks such as X-rays, MRI and CT scans, ultrasounds, breast screening, and radiotherapy for cancer patients. However, the current situation is creating challenges in delivering timely and adequate healthcare to patients.
Hospitals are bracing for significant disruptions, particularly with the concurrent five-day strike by junior doctors, the longest in NHS history, starting on 13th July, followed by a two-day strike by consultant colleagues between 20th and 22nd July.
The strike action is viewed as a last resort by the SoR, with the hope that it will prompt the government to address the concerns raised and take necessary actions to improve the recruitment, retention, and working conditions for radiographers.
Overall, this industrial action poses a considerable risk for the NHS, and hospital leaders are deeply concerned about its impact on patient care and healthcare operations. The situation calls for urgent attention to resolve the issues faced by radiographers and ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services.
Long version originally published at https://www.theguardian.com on July 7, 2023.
