How Can We Overcome the Challenges in the DR and RP Workforce?

This in-person one day meeting aims to discuss and explore practical ways to overcome the challenges with workforce shortages across radiation protection and diagnostic radiology. It is recognised that whilst the overarching issue is workforce; the challenges differ, and solutions vary department to department.

Organised by IPEM's Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Special Interest Groups

This conference aims to explore how different departments are overcoming these challenges through a mixture of case studies of experience and interactive discussions, and Q&A sessions.

Practical aspects of how departments are handling the challenges of workforce shortages will be explored, and case studies encouraged considering:

• The role of technologists
• Recruiting from overseas
• Utilizing apprenticeships
• The role of training (STP, route 2, guided training scheme)
• Recruiting via annex 21
• The challenges of different regions and settings
• Approval process of new posts
• Filling new posts
• The priorities of DR/RP departments (i.e. technical, scientific or commercial?)

With the expansion of radiology services, including the opening of new community diagnostic centres, the pressures on medical physics services continues to increase. The valuable input from and the risks posed by the shortage the DR/RP workforce has been highlighted by both IPEMs workforce survey and the latest CQC annual report (2021/22). We will be inviting associated authors to speak about their viewpoint a year on.

It is acknowledged by the SIGs that it is potentially controversial to hold an in-person event on the very topic of workforce challenges however it was also widely felt that this is the best platform to fully capture the challenges that are being faced and give all voices an opportunity to be heard.  Therefore, attendance is encouraged from across the country by DR and RP scientists and technologists including Heads of Departments. It is intended to disseminate the outcomes of the discussions held during the day to ensure there is a tangible output to the meeting.

Programme
The draft programme is available here - a printable version is also available.

Venue
The conference is being held at Broadway House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NQ

Registration
Registration is now open. Please use the 'Book Now' button and follow the instructions provided.

Invoice bookings deadline: Tuesday 20th June

Registration fees:
IPEM member  £175
IPEM member retired/non-salaried   £100
Non-member   £226

Contact/Queries
If you have any queries, please email the IPEM conference team or tel: 01904 550598.