Reflection on the work of The Society of Radiographers in the 1970s reveals its members’ continued professionalism and dedication

Reflecting back 50 years, I decided to take a brief look in the The Society of Radiographers: 100 Years 1920-2020 by Richard Price and Audrey Paterson to see what was happening within the society when RAD Magazine was first published in 1975. As a radiographer, the history of the organisation is intriguing to me, and I hope of interest to all working in imaging and radiotherapy services.

The Society of Radiographers (SoR) became an independent trade union and The College of Radiographers was established, becoming the focus for professional and educational matters. The pursuit of degree education had started, but this change wasn’t achieved until the early 1990s, demonstrating the challenges and complexities in establishing this higher level of education and training for the profession.

Michael Jordan was appointed as the fourth secretary of the society since 1920, with only a small staff group to support members. It is no surprise that during this period, pay and grading were top of the agenda, together with emerging role development. In 1974, it was reported that over 2,000 radiographers marched across London to protest over pay and conditions.

During that decade, professional officers with trade union and professional briefs rapidly increased the workload and influence of the SoR. Role development, intravenous injections, an article in The Lancet from a radiologist titled ‘Pattern recognition for radiographers’, barium enemas and barium meals were all topics being reported as areas for potential advancement. A-level entry into the profession was introduced in the late 1970s. While there were many applicants before this who had A-levels, this requirement started to raise the profession’s profile and led to the successful degree-level education.

During this period, communications with the membership were really improved with the replacement of the supplement with the publication of Radiography News, and the following statement was published: “Radiography News will be a new venture and an exciting step which will improve the means of communication between college/society and members.”

The Halsbury inquiry reviewing pay and conditions brought change and growth in industrial relations activity within the society, and meetings with the Secretary of State for the DHSS. The inquiry led by Lord Halsbury resulted in a report published by the government in 1975. The recommendations in the report were considered by the SoR council, which thought they formed a reasonable basis for a realistic career structure, with four superintendent grades, two senior grades and radiographer grade. Teaching grades and clinical instructor grades were formalised, with Halsbury using a head count on which to base the superintendent grade. After publication there were many months of negotiations with the Whitley Council.

I thought I would share in summary what Lord Halsbury reported about the profession. His observations during the inquiry highlighted the complexity and sophistication of the equipment operated by radiographers. He emphasised the meticulous care required to avoid radiation dangers, particularly in radiotherapy, and the comparable care needed in diagnostic radiography to prevent harm to patients. Halsbury noted the professional pride among radiographers and the challenges posed by long hours and staff shortages, which were seen as impacting the standard of care for patients.

The society continues to advocate for its members, and the complexity and sophistication of technology advances and the holistic and empathetic care provided to patients is the core of our role. Our members continue to strive for better pay and conditions, linked to career progression. The College of Radiographers education and Career Framework (fourth edition) showcases today the brilliance of our members working with such professionalism and dedication. Do take a look yourself at the breadth and diversity of the profession’s roles and at our recently published scope of practice guidance documents. Radiography practice will rightly continue to evolve and develop, informed by the evidence base and with patient voices, to ensure we are providing the public with high quality care within whichever setting we work.

Congratulations to RAD Magazine on its 50th anniversary: to the family and team that support this publication, which has been available throughout my working career in staff rooms up and down the country.

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