Centre to cut scan waiting times

The number of trainee radiologists should double in the South West

Waiting times for x-rays and ultrasound examinations in the South West should be cut thanks to a new training course.

A new centre for radiologists is being set up in Plymouth.

It will double the number of trainees in the South West.

The National Health Service has announced there are currently 500,000 people in England waiting to be dealt with by radiologists.

The NHS is currently setting up three new training centres across England to ease the problem, with other centres starting up at Norwich and Leeds.

Exciting development

The launch of Plymouth's Peninsula Academy of Radiology will be linked to the NHS Hospital Trusts of Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay and Truro and supported by the Royal College of Radiologists and the Department of Health.

At the moment, about five radiologists begin their training in Plymouth each year and this should double with the opening of the academy.

Health experts say it is an exciting development.

Two hundred new radiologists across the UK are needed if the Health Service is to fill all its staff vacancies.