National Radiotherapy Advisory Group Update
Dr Michael Williams, co-chair of the NRAG has released an interim report on the work undertaken by the group so far and details plans for the future.
NRAG has been formed to advise on the development and delivery of radiotherapy services including relevant elements of the NHS Cancer Plan and NICE guidelines.
The report details work carried out by sub-groups who are endeavouring to produce a model of the requirement for staff and resources over the next decade; a detailed estimate of the number of patients who will need radiotherapy over the next 10 years and data on the impact of new technology as it develops.
The group is also studying workforce issues including recruitment, training and staff retention; data protection and data access.
Analysis so far has shown the there is a continuing shortage of therapeutic radiographers, and a preliminary statement on the current requirement for radiotherapy resource and staffing is expected in October, together with recommendations and short term plans to address this over the next couple of years.
NRAG has, for the first time, facilitated an effective collaboration between the Department of Health, the Cancer Action Team, the Cancer Services Collaborative Improvement Partnership, cancer networks, the Royal College of Radiologists, the Society and College of Radiographers and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.
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