I am so looking forward to contributing to this session both to share experiences and to learn from others the challenges and potential solutions to address the skilled workforce shortages in the NHS.
I am particularly interested in workforce innovations to train and retain NHS imaging staff – how can we make our staff want to stay in the NHS and how can we develop them to reach their potential so they are capable of leaving but are so happy in their role they do not want to leave. I hope we look at leadership and proven and successful ways leaders can inspire their team to succeed in an environment where all team members are aiming for the same goal. How do we inspire young people to want to join the NHS and how can we effectively get this message out there about the great career paths and opportunities available?
I am a radiographer specializing in ultrasound where there is a large staff and skill shortage. The demand for ultrasound is increasing rapidly and currently approximately 25% of sonographers are approaching retirement. The staff / skill shortage is resulting in a large demand for agency staff which is adding to expense. The training of a sonographer is very labour-intensive meaning Clinical placements are limited. With the increased workload it is also challenging to find the time and space to train new members to join the team. We need to share ideas to facilitate an increase in the number of sonographers being trained to safely meet the workload and, additionally look at how we can potentially change work practices to allow the highly experienced sonographers to be focused on more complex tasks while ensuring early career sonographers can be supported to prevent burnout and anxiety. In addition, we need to look at and assess how AI can be used to help with the workload while maintaining patient safety.
By Mrs Donna Holdcroft, Professional Officer, British Medical Ultrasound Society
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