Summary and Main Findings
Prompt diagnosis of serious medical conditions such as cancer is essential to give patients the best chance of cure. A delay in the interpretation of X-rays, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans by radiologists can delay treatment and lead to poor outcomes for patients.
The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has carried out a series of surveys to monitor the extent and volume of diagnostic reporting delays in English NHS trusts. Surveys were carried out in February and September 2015 and we now present the findings of the latest survey conducted in England in February 2016. Data was also collected as part of our annual clinical radiology workforce census (which covers the whole UK) on the annual expenditure of NHS radiology departments on additional reporting and outsourcing.
NHS patients are feeling the effect of a chronic failure to invest in radiology services. The cost of this failure is enormous and will continue to grow until it is fixed.
For the full report please see Royal College of Radiologists Feb 2016.