The Scottish government will contribute 3 million pounds (3.4 million euros) toward funding at least 50 new radiology trainees over the next five years, according to an announcement from Scottish Health Secretary Shona Robison.
The Scottish government has come under fire for what's been called a shortage of radiologists in the region. In August, the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) issued a statement about the shortage, saying there is an extreme workforce crisis in Scotland.
In an announcement on 26 September, the Scottish government said it was taking a variety of steps to alleviate the situation. In addition to funding new trainees, it will commit 1 million pounds (1.14 million euros) to support an effort by the National Health Service (NHS) Boards to improve diagnostic performance across the country, with the initial focus on rolling out early cancer detection measures and to allow consultant radiologists to report from anywhere in the country.
The RCR lauded the move.
"The Royal College of Radiologists welcomes this long-term funding commitment from the Scottish government and looks forward to working closely with the Scottish government to attempt to resolve the very serious issue of the severe shortage of radiologists in Scotland," said RCR President Dr. Nicola Strickland in a statement. "The funding of at least 50 extra radiology trainee doctors over the next five years is a much needed step in the right direction to address this problem, and help safeguard the health of the Scottish nation."
