RCR launch 2022 workforce census reports

Today sees the launch of our clinical radiology and clinical oncology workforce census reports for 2022. We secured a 100% response rate with every single cancer centre head and clinical director of radiology departments completing our survey – representing some of the most authoritative reports into the current state of diagnosis and cancer care in the UK. The reports demonstrate the scale of workforce shortages in diagnostic and cancer departments across the country and the devastating impact on cancer patients.  

Our Fellows and members will be only too aware that across both professions, the workforce crisis is deepening. Our annual reports reveal that in almost all UK cancer centres (97%), patients’ treatment was delayed because of staff shortages. Shortages are causing monthly delays in starting chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment in about half of cancer centres, and weekly delays in about a quarter of centres, compromising patient care.   

The reports also show the UK sitting on a ticking timebomb in cancer diagnosis and care, putting patients at risk. Doctors are leaving in their droves due to stress and burnout, and more than 75% of clinical oncologists and radiologists who left the NHS in 2022 were under 60. 

Dr Katharine Halliday, RCR President, said: “All doctors want to give patients the best possible care, but workforce shortages are hampering our ability to do that. There are simply not enough doctors to safely treat the volume of patients needed, and this will only worsen as demand rises and more doctors leave the NHS. We face moral injury from dealing with the impossible balancing act of an overstretched service, burned out staff and ever-rising demand for care.  

“Action from the government is now critical. We must train more doctors, while doing more to retain the ones we have. There is no luxury of time: doctors are stretched, stressed, and scared for their patients. By publishing the long-awaited workforce plan, the government can reset the system and ensure patients receive the care doctors so desperately want to provide.” 

The results are concerning, but we have clarity on what is needed to ensure that services are recovered, consultants feel supported to work, and people living with cancer have a greater chance of living longer and better lives.