Report Reveals Shortage Of Specialised Consultants

A leading medical body has called on the Government to support its campaign for more consultant radiologists.

The British Medical Association (BMA) warned today that a lack of consultants in England and Wales could mean have implications for the health service and has called upon the support of Health Secretry Alan Johnson.

The BMA says around 1,300 extra consultant radiologists are needed in England over the next few years if the National Health Service (NHS) is to meet increasing demand for emergency interventional treatments, diagnostic imaging and screening.

The BMA says that demand for ultrasound, CT and MRI scans is increasing year on year and more consultants are needed to ensure the service can be delivered more quickly and at the highest standard.

Currently, 130,289 patients are waiting on non-obstetric ultrasound, 66,853 on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 44, 542 on Computer Tomography among 15 procedures, according to figures published by the Department of Health yesterday.

Dr Gill Markham, Vice-President of The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and Dean of the Faculty for Clinical Radiology said: "Demand for scans and complex imaging is rising year on year and is set to increase even further in light of recent developments with extra patients being referred from the Government’s planned extension of the Breast programme and Colonic screening programme.

"We need a steady and sustained expansion in consultant numbers if we are to deliver this level of service to patients safely and to the high standards that patients deserve.”

Chairman of the BMA's Consultants Committee, Dr Jonathan Fielden said: "The recent freeze on consultant recruitment has left the UK short of its most highly skilled doctors.

"Now that the NHS is in better financial health we would urge NHS trusts to expand the number of consultant posts, where they are needed in their hospitals, to give patients the highest quality care possible.

"Many fully trained doctors, who are ready to take up a consultant position, are waiting to compete for posts when they become available.

"The government has ambitious plans for the NHS, including shorter waits for treatment and more focus on prevention. Increasing the numbers of consultants available will enhance care and allow the NHS to flourish beyond its 60th birthday," he said.

The BMA has recently launched a campaign to enhance the quality of care for patients by expanding consultant numbers across many specialities.

(DS)