RCR response to the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman’s findings on diagnostic imaging failures

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has released findings following a report published in 2021 which highlighted mistakes in the way digital images are read and used as a diagnostic tool. England’s Health Ombudsman has since found more than 40 cases have been upheld at least in part where similar failings were identified. 

The RCR has undertaken a significant amount of work to support learning since this report was published- including our REAL initiative, guidance and educational resources.

Dr Katharine Halliday, President of the Royal College of Radiologists said:

“We were deeply saddened to read of these cases. The Ombudsman highlights some devastating failures in the NHS, and we must collectively learn from these experiences to drive meaningful change. 

“At the Royal College of Radiologists we are committed to supporting learning – we support radiologists directly with guidance and educational resources, and through our REAL initiative – which includes a platform where clinicians can submit anonymous cases that others could learn from, as well as an annual meeting where clinicians come together to reflect on and learn from mistakes.    

“However, we must also recognise that these findings reflect a system that is overburdened and under-resourced. We face a 30% shortfall of clinical radiologists, projected to rise to 40% by 2028. As the Ombudsman points out, inadequate digital infrastructure is a patient safety issue. We urge the government to act on these findings and invest in the capacity and infrastructure necessary to support NHS staff to give every patient the care they deserve.”