Workstreams

Our Workforce and Education Programme Lead co-ordinates delivery of this workstream via the Imaging Workforce and Education Transformation Group (IWETG).

IWETG aims to:

• Provide an expert and All-Wales perspective on optimising the roles, education, training and planning for all workforces within Imaging services
• Support health boards and trusts to plan and deliver efficient and effective imaging services, aligning with the strategic objectives of Welsh Government, the Diagnostics Recovery and Transformation Strategy for Wales, and the Diagnostics Workforce Plan
• Work across National Programmes and in close partnership with Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) to support the delivery of common goals
• Maintain an overview of Imaging workforce and education across Wales, whilst simultaneously horizon-scanning to identify further opportunities potential
• Deliver a sustainable future for imaging services which evidences value for money and is fit for purpose.

Strategy for Developing a Radiology Workforce for Wales.

During 2021/22, HEIW supported the Imaging Workforce and Education Group (IWEG) and the National Imaging Programme to develop the Building the NHS Wales Imaging Workforce Model – Strategy for Developing a Radiology Workforce for Wales. 

The ‘Strategy for Developing a Radiology Workforce Model for Wales’ is the first output in the process of building the NHS Wales Imaging Workforce Model. 

The strategy sets out several recommendations to support and facilitate the development of a strong, resilient, and sustainable Radiology workforce for the future. These recommendations require both a national and local approach to implementation to ensure that the benefits are realised for both patients and staff. 

The National Imaging Programme has committed to overseeing the management and execution of these recommendations via a programme of work, coordinating, and driving the delivery of the recommendations that need to be addressed nationally whilst also supporting organisations with their local implementation. 

Strategy for Developing a Radiology Workforce Model for Wales

Imaging Workforce and Education Transformation Group High-level Action Plan

Strategy for Developing a Radiology Workforce for Wales – Letter to CEOs

Our quality programme lead co-ordinates delivery of this workstream via the All Wales Imaging Quality Forum (AWIQF).

The AWIQF is a well-established group overseeing matters relating to quality standardisation aiming to:

• Develop a more consistent approach to imaging quality management in Wales, including standardisation and inclusivity initiatives
• Support and share best practice in Wales  
• Support the programme vision for Quality and the Imaging Statement of Intent 
• Take forward the implementation of an agreed Quality Standard across Wales, including full cost and benefit analysis 
• Support the development of current and future modality Quality Groups 
• Investigate the potential effectiveness of AI for Imaging in Wales via the Radiology Artificial Intelligence Strategy Group.

The National Imaging Programme’s Strategic Resource Planning Workstream aims to support the efficient and effective utilisation of imaging resources across NHS Wales. 

Programme and Clinical Leads in this work stream are responsible for developing sustainable models and solutions for the delivery of imaging services in Wales.

Examples of this work include:

• Development of a robust governance process to support a national, sustainable, clinically focused capital equipment replacement programme across NHS Wales, ensuring finite resources are allocated on a peer reviewed needs basis
• Working with colleagues in Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) to harness digital solutions to provide business intelligence to support more data-driven decisions
• Establishing a suite of evidence-based performance measures and working with digital partners to develop a national reporting dashboard to ensure appropriate support for imaging services
• Collaborating with other Programmes and Networks to evaluate opportunities for pathway transformation, for example, new ways of working or utilisation of new technologies.

Delivery of this work stream is via the Radiology Informatics System Procurement (RISP) Programme.