Recruitment freezes in NHS cancer and scanning departments is ‘an extraordinarily shortsighted decision,’ the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has warned.
Research by the RCR found that 42 NHS trusts across the UK told their cancer centre or diagnostic unit not to take on extra staff in 2024, despite surging demand for diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Katharine Halliday, RCR’s president said that with departments dealing with understaffing and increasing workloads, ‘freezing hiring will only exacerbate delays in patient diagnosis and treatment, while further eroding the morale of hard-working NHS staff.’
‘Such bans undermine critical efforts to reduce delays for patients and improve early cancer diagnosis,’ she said.
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The College’s annual workforce census, which will be published in full in June, found that 24% of cancer centres and 19% of radiology departments had imposed recruitment freezes. They said this is concerning given that the UK is already facing a severe shortfall of specialists, with 1,962 fewer consultant radiologists and 185 fewer clinical oncologists than needed.
The RCR’s warning comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged earlier this week that 92% of patients needing hospital care will get it within 18 weeks by spring 2029. He also said the Governments aims to improve the availability of scans such as MRIs, colonoscopies and bone scans.
While Dr Halliday said that Starmer ‘is right to focus on cutting NHS backlogs,’ she warned that ‘it just isn’t realistic if we don’t have the workforce in place. And hiring freezes directly contradict the bold ambitions the Government has set’.
Samantha Harrison, head of strategic evidence at Cancer Research UK, said: ‘Despite the best efforts of NHS staff, cancer patients are waiting too long for vital tests and treatment. Cancer services have lacked the resources they need for years, and this [RCRs’] report highlights the real-world impact this has on people affected by cancer.’
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘We know that trusts are under pressure, which is why we announced a £26 billion investment in the health service at the Budget to help build a health service fit for the future, with the staff it needs to get patients seen on time.
‘This summer we will publish a refreshed workforce plan to ensure patients are cared for by the right professional, when and where they need it. We will engage with a range of stakeholders to reflect their needs.’