NCA opens radiography academy in Rochdale

Northern Care Alliance NHS Group (NCA) has opened its new Radiography Academy, a centre of excellence for research, learning and mentoring in the field of radiology.

Based at Rochdale Infirmary, the academy was unveiled by NCA chief executive Raj Jain and Bury and Rochdale Care Organisation chief officer Steve Taylor at the beginning of November.

Students will be able to use the academy for research purposes, advancing their learning and as a base for mentoring colleagues. Clinical and medical support will be given throughout their MSK and chest reporting advanced reporting courses.

Clinical lead is Lawrence Gamble who provides reporting expertise and organises clinical sessions for trainees, with the support of a consultant radiologist mentor. Medical lead is Professor Nigel Thomas, a retired NHS consultant radiologist with extensive mentoring experience. He said: “I was absolutely delighted to be asked to be involved with the advanced practice radiography academy. The academy provides the equipment and support that our radiographers need to be successful in their professional development. Providing mentoring and teaching support to the academy is my dream job.”

The Radiography Academy occupies a fully refurbished space including five new PACS reporting stations. It was formed by a partnership between NCA’s Diagnostics and Pharmacy Group and the University of Salford.

The first academy year has commenced with a small intake of radiographers from across the NCA, concentrating on MSK and chest plain film reporting training at the University of Salford. Following this, the plan is to expand training across Greater Manchester and to other staff groups including sonographers, trainee medical staff and other disciplines.

Picture: NCA chief executive Raj Jain cuts the ribbon on the academy.

Published on page 14 of the December 2019 issue of RAD Magazine.