Fall in Waiting Lists for Scans

Thanks to hard working colleagues for reducing waiting lists – but more support needed for MPCE staff

I was pleased to read the recent announcement by the Department of Health and Social Care that waiting lists for scans in England have fallen by 44,000 compared to last year. The Department says that “latest data shows 44,000 fewer people were waiting more than 6 weeks for procedures like endoscopies, ultrasounds and MRIs compared to February last year (2024).

It means some patients being referred for suspected illnesses including heart conditions, spinal cord injuries and various cancers could be diagnosed faster, helping save lives.”

This is welcome news and shows the real impact of the hard work and dedication to patient care of Medical Physicists and Clinical Engineers (MPCE) working across the NHS.

However, in order to continue to provide long term, sustainable improvements in care, it must be recognised that the MPCE workforce needs additional support.

This means extra established posts and more training places, backed by the funding to make it a reality. IPEM continues to press Ministers to give our sector the increased workforce it needs. That’s why we responded to a number of recent consultations, including the NHS Big Conversation, the Spending Review and the National Cancer Plan, to make these very points. That’s why we regularly contact Ministers on issues of relevance to our members. And that’s why we are continually working with our many partners to raise these matters at every possible opportunity.

We welcomed the extra investment put in for better scanners, but, as we pointed out in our evidence to the Cancer Plan, that will only clear the backlog of old equipment. We need a long-term investment plan to continuously replace equipment as it reaches the end of its life.

We are also pleased to see the Government’s commitment to using AI and other new technology to support healthcare. These technologies need the expertise of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering professionals. This means not only recruiting more staff but putting in place a programme to upskill the existing workforce.

Of course, it also needs the vital contribution of Medical Physicists and Clinical Engineers in academia and industry, in researching, developing and implementing these new innovations, in partnership with their colleagues in healthcare. MPCE is essential to the safe, ethical and effective development and implementation of new technology.

The story about the fall in waiting lists for scans in England is a demonstration of how essential MPCE is to delivering for patients and the public. It highlights the dedication and commitment which drives each of our hard working members. It is why I am so excited to be leading IPEM. We have a key role to play in supporting the profession and will continue to do so. We are keen to expand our membership base to enable us to shout even louder for MPCE, so please do encourage your colleagues to join us as your professional body. For our part, I promise we will carry on working hard for you, so you can carry on delivering for the public.

Gill Collinson

CEO IPEM