First reported 12 May 2016•Latest report 26 May 2026
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes workforce-capacity failures involving trained radiographers or radiologists that delay necessary imaging or its interpretation.
Not included
Excludes generic healthcare staffing or recruitment shortages not specifically tied to radiologist capacity or imaging interpretation.
Excludes shortages of radiographers where the concern is solely image acquisition rather than radiologist interpretation.
Excludes failures of radiologist competence, access to clinical information, communication, or reporting quality where workforce capacity is not the supported mechanism.
Excludes delays or failures in non-radiology diagnostic or clinical services.
Reports
10
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
11
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2016–2026
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
26
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
NHS England5
Department of Health and Social Care4
Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership1
NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board1
NHS Devon Integrated Care Board1
Royal College of Emergency Medicine1
Royal College of Radiologists1
Tameside General Hospital1
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust1
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust1
Executive non-departmental public body5
Ministerial department4
NHS trust2
Healthcare site1
Health professional body1
Health-system partnership1
Integrated care board1
Concerns and responses across reports
Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.
Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
Concerns raised1
Lack of out-of-hours consultant radiologist cover for hospitals in Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Ask provider organisations to review out-of-hours imaging escalation pathways and assurance processes for major trauma and complex radiological findings.
Stated by NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board and NHS Devon Integrated Care BoardStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 August 2026.
Action
Seek governance assurance that out-of-hours escalation pathways, learning from investigations, and access to senior radiological expertise remain appropriate for complex cases.
Stated by NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board and NHS Devon Integrated Care BoardStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 13 August 2026.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
The Integrated Care Boards did not identify an absence of consultant radiologist cover across Devon hospitals, while acknowledging complex-case escalation concerns.
Stated by NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board and NHS Devon Integrated Care BoardDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Birmingham and Solihull
Concerns raised1
Insufficient radiologist capacity for reporting CT scans
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Reconfigure weekend out-of-hours radiology reporting across three hospitals by separating emergency and inpatient streams and adding reporting capacity.
Stated by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 11 June 2025.
Action
Publish a new 10 Year Workforce Plan to support appropriate NHS staffing and workforce distribution.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 11 June 2025.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.3
Position
Radiology workload may reasonably exceed RCR session figures during acute reporting, because the guidance is for departmental planning and emergency demand cannot be controlled.
Stated by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Position
The Trust considers its radiology service appropriately provisioned because it uses RCR guidance as a planning benchmark and the reconfigured workload is manageable.
Stated by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Position
NHS Trusts and other employers are responsible for determining staffing levels and workforce composition, including appropriate weekend cover.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Delays in specialist reporting of X rays
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3
Action
Expand Clinical Radiology specialty training places to increase the trained reporting workforce.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 6 June 2024.
Action
Continue international recruitment of radiologists to support diagnostic capacity, with demand planning underway for further recruitment.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 6 June 2024.
Action
Deliver the Long Term Workforce Plan, including expanded domestic education, training and recruitment and workforce retention measures.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 6 June 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
NHS Trusts are responsible for ensuring safe staffing levels in hospitals’ current day-to-day operations.
Stated by NHS EnglandRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Local A&E procedures require follow-up of X-ray reports because general X-rays may not receive 24/7 imaging-service reporting.
Stated by NHS EnglandExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Concerns raised1
Delays in Radiologist review of emergency chest x-rays
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3
Action
Publish national image-report turnaround-time guidance, including a four-hour maximum for acutely unwell A&E patients during routine hours.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 26 September 2023.
Action
Support Trusts to increase radiology reporting capacity through additional reporting radiographers, radiologist trainees, international recruitment and workforce planning tools.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 26 September 2023.
Action
Implement the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan to train, retain and reform healthcare staff across the NHS over fifteen years.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 26 September 2023.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Shortage of radiographers and radiologists causing delays in scan performance and reporting
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Implement the Long Term Workforce Plan to improve training, staff retention, workforce reform and sustainable staffing.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 28 July 2023.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
NHS Trusts are responsible for ensuring appropriate staffing, senior clinical support and diagnostic provision for anticipated demand.
Stated by NHS EnglandRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Delays in carrying out and reporting CT scans due to insufficient suitably qualified radiology staff
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
NHSE and local integrated care bodies are responsible for addressing the concerns about treatment at Wythenshawe Hospital.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Greater Manchester Integrated Care provides the relevant services, while its Integrated Care Board decides commissioned health services.
Stated by NHS EnglandRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Shortage of qualified radiology staff
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.7
Action
Commission an independent review of diagnostic services to identify measures addressing diagnostic capacity and resilience.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 5 May 2021.
Action
Develop an expanded imaging workforce, including increased radiographer and radiologist training, new Imaging Training Academies and innovative imaging technologies.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 5 May 2021.
Action
Increase the substantive radiologist workforce and establish additional advanced reporting and sonographer capacity.
Stated by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care BoardStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 5 May 2021.
Action
Operate the Greater Manchester Imaging Network to coordinate regional imaging workforce and infrastructure development.
Stated by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care BoardStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 5 May 2021.
Action
Develop the North West Imaging Workforce Strategy through collaboration among the three regional imaging networks.
Stated by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care BoardStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 5 May 2021.
Action
Prioritise Diagnostic Radiography in Greater Manchester Allied Health Professions career events during 2021–22.
Stated by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care BoardStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 5 May 2021.
Action
Develop a five-year North West imaging workforce implementation plan to guide local implementation plans for the three integrated care systems.
Stated by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care BoardStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 5 May 2021.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Each integrated care system’s workforce team is responsible for delivering local imaging workforce priorities.
Stated by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care BoardRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Insufficient availability of qualified radiologists for imaging review
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Increase Radiology clinical capacity through additional substantive and locum radiologists, a Consultant Sonographer and Advanced Practice Reporting Radiographers.
Stated by Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 8 January 2021.
Manchester West
Concerns raised1
Insufficient radiologist training capacity
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
Responsibility for addressing radiologist shortages and developing diagnostic workforce plans lies with Health Education England and its partners.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Some matters raised in the concerns are the responsibility of the relevant NHS Trust rather than the Department of Health.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Cumbria
Concerns raised2
Delays in timely radiologist review and reporting of diagnostic X-rays and CT scans
Insufficient availability of trained consultant radiologists
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.7
Action
Appoint three radiologists to increase reporting capacity.
Stated by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 12 May 2016.
Action
Continue recruitment, including international recruitment, to develop reporting capacity.
Stated by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 12 May 2016.
Action
Offer additional programmed activities and payment to consultants reporting work beyond contracted hours.
Stated by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 12 May 2016.
Action
Provide ad hoc reporting support through eight honorary contracts with external radiologists.
Stated by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 12 May 2016.
Action
Explore home reporting with the new PACS to improve recruitment and retention opportunities.
Stated by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 12 May 2016.
Action
Roll out voice recognition technology across radiology staff to speed report turnaround.
Stated by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 12 May 2016.
Action
Undertake workforce planning to review staff skill mix and age profile.
Stated by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 12 May 2016.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.5
Position
Insufficient radiology reporting capacity prevents all imaging studies from being reported promptly, reflecting a wider national radiologist shortage.
Stated by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation TrustUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
The existing scope of referrer evaluation and its standard operating procedure are considered reasonable and safe, so wider expansion is not preferred.
Stated by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation TrustExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Position
A prioritisation flow diagram is not being constructed because clinical complexity across modalities does not permit reliable simplification.
Stated by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation TrustUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
Responsibility for staffing levels and skill mix rests with individual NHS Trust boards, considering local factors and safe-care requirements.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Urgent and emergency care networks are responsible for developing clinical pathways, designating services and monitoring performance and access.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
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Includes workforce-capacity failures involving trained radiographers or radiologists that delay necessary imaging or its interpretation.
