Senior radiographer gains healthcare engineering qualification

Senior radiographer Richard Flood has become the first practising radiographer in the UK to complete the level 1 HCSE (Health Care Systems Engineering) qualification, according to Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust where he works.

The HCSE qualification is a recognised international standard framework for Systems Engineering ISO/IEC 15288:2015. The application in health and social care requires techniques and tools that are specifically designed for that environment.

Flood completed a project on utilisation and efficiencies within the field of CT scans, and the trust’s radiology team is currently reviewing how this work can be rolled out to broader modalities and services. He has also published two case studies through the Kent and Medway Imaging Network, titled Measuring CT utilisation and Measuring CT capacity and demand.

Trust head of radiology services Susie White said: “This is a huge achievement not only for Richard but also the whole imaging team, who are leading on this improvement work with the Kent and Medway Imaging Network across the south-east.

“This qualification recognises the great depth of skills and expertise Richard has in the field of radiology. It is just one example of how the trust is ensuring the team are highly skilled and this enables us to continue to deliver outstanding care for our patients.”

Flood added: “It really is a privilege to be able to improve access to our imaging services, hopefully achieving better outcomes for patients.” Earlier this year he also had a paper published by the Journal of Improvement Science focusing on the two-week wait referral to treatment for patients with suspected colorectal cancer.
Four further level 1 trainees are currently studying for the qualification within Kent and Medway Imaging Network. Meanwhile Flood is about to start studying for HCSE level 2.

Picture: Richard Flood receives his certificate from healthcare systems engineer and consultant surgeon Mr Simon Dodds with coach and diagnostic improvement advisor Lesley Wright.

Published on page 3 of the August 2022 issue of RAD Magazine.