18.05.05
Cornwall helps to tackle radiologist shortages

An exciting initiative to tackle the national shortage of radiologists is being run from Cornwall.

The Radiology Integrated Training Initiative (RITI) has been set up by the government to boost the number of consultant radiologists in the UK and to ensure that it is easy for them to progress through the career structure.

Part of that project involves producing a web-based system for radiologists, trainees and their administration staff to allow them access to patients' case studies. These case studies, which will include X rays and anonymised patient information, will be validated by a minimum of two, highly respected consultants in radiology. The users can then access them securely using the Internet as part of their training.

In Cornwall, Richard Johnson is setting up the project with Jane Banner having ongoing responsibility for systems development. These systems will allow the collection and validation of case studies under the Validated Case Archive (VCA) scheme and then the presentation of these cases to users for the purpose of learning and education. Cornwall Information and Technology Service won the contract from the Royal College of Radiologists.

Mr Johnson, Information Services Manager at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, said that Cornwall was chosen partly because of the work of the RCHT's Dr Philip Cook, one of two consultant radiologists leading the drive for RITI and partly because of the "centre of gravity" for this area of work forming within the South West Peninsula. "There is a draw in the South West," he continued. "Plymouth will be hosting one of three largest radiology academies in Britain and I think Cornwall could be the main provider of this service for the whole national network."

Miss Banner has taken up tenancy at one of the business incubation units at the Knowledge Spa with a VCA team. The incubation units, designed to nurture new businesses, were invested in by Objective One and the South West Regional Development Agency. Further expansion is expected.

"These are quality, well paid jobs," said Mr Johnson. "The VCA will contain a rich variety of case studies and a colleague, Gary Spencer, has already been approached by the RCR in relation to taking on the e learning side of this project when it is up and running. If that comes to fruition he will need to make further appointments."

For further information contact Clare Morgan, Objective One Partnership Office on 01872 223439 or email: cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk or Richard Johnson, Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, email Richard.Johnson@Cornwall.NHS.UK, website www.riti.org.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in The Knowledge Spa through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

back to top