The Radiotherapy Board is lauding a joint report published by NHS England and Cancer Research UK called "A Vision for Radiotherapy, 2014-2024."
The Radiotherapy Board comprises the Royal College of Radiologists, the Society and College of Radiographers, and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.
"The report provides both an opportunity and a framework to support the development of radiotherapy services enabling evidence-based treatments to be delivered to patients in a timely manner and using modern, advanced radiotherapy techniques," the board said. But the workforce needs further development.
"The Radiotherapy Board welcomes this vision document with its aspirations for investment in state-of-the-art radiotherapy equipment, reduced maintenance costs and down-time," said Board Chair Dr. Diana Tait in a statement. "However, we strongly believe that the proposed rationalization, standardization, and development of NHS radiotherapy services can only be achieved with the necessary investment in a skilled workforce. Therapeutic radiographers, clinical oncologists, and medical physicists already work closely together in a clinical setting. The workforce in all three professional groups needs to grow to deliver the vision for radiotherapy."
