In December members of The British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) gathered at Cardiff City Hall in the main council chamber as part of its annual scientific meeting, to participate in a debate hosted in collaboration with AXREM’s ultrasound special focus group.
With the title ‘The future of ultrasound – the ultrasound manifesto reflection’ the debate discussed the future of ultrasound, with the AXREM Manifesto for Medical Ultrasound: The Modern-day Stethoscope as the basis for its discussions.
An expert panel led discussions and included BMUS past president consultant radiologist Dr Rhodri Evans hosting the debate, current president consultant sonographer Pamela Parker from Hull Teaching Hospitals and incoming president professor of practice and consultant radiologist Professor Adrian Lim from Imperial College London. Also on the panel were senior buyer – women’s health and microscopes Francesca Rooke from NHS Supply Chain Coordination Management Function, Philips Healthcare ultrasound lead UKI Ruth Graesser and GE HealthCare regional general manager UKI ultrasound Roy Tappin.
The main topics of conversation and generating the most feedback were workforce and community diagnostic centres (CDC). This proved timely as earlier that day it had been reported in the news that 19 more CDCs would be created as part of government plans.
It was agreed that long-term sustainable funding is required for equipment and workforce and this is the only way current challenges can be addressed. Tappin advised that the manifesto was written by the industry group to ask government to invest in long-term sustainable funding and he wants to explore how industry can work collectively to address the issues highlighted in the document. Parker made the point that AXREM raising the issues on behalf of the profession is hugely helpful. She also said that it is down to everyone to create the workforce of the future.
Tappin said: “It is clear from the debate we had at BMUS that we have several very complex issues that are going to take time to resolve. I do believe, however, that by working together and by having open and constructive dialogue we can and will make significant progress. Collaboration between BMUS (plus other professional bodies) and industry is key, and it is at a level now that is unprecedented.”
Picture: Industry members debated workforce and community diagnostic centres at Cardiff City Hall.
Published on page 24 of the January 2022 issue of RAD Magazine.