Radiographers, Radiologists and Radiology staff are at the heart of accurate diagnosis, effective care and treatment in the Health Service. World Radiology Day is therefore a great opportunity in the South Eastern Trust to acknowledge the crucial role they play to deliver safe imaging and person centred, compassionate care.
Nine out of ten patients who come into hospital will need some form of imaging. Diagnostic imaging is fundamental to help support the clinical management team to diagnose patients’ conditions and illnesses, helping to decide on the best course of treatment.
Across the Trust, the Department of Radiology has a number of trained staff who specialise in a wide range of areas, including, Nuclear medicine, CT scans, MRIs, mammography and Ultrasound imaging.
Based in the Ulster Hospital, Radiographer and Practice Educator, Chris Smyth shared his passion for the profession. “Radiography is very interesting with great career satisfaction and everyday is different. We see patients from all ages, from birth to when they are elderly.
“I started as a Practice Educator last June and I really enjoy it. My role is to supervise and look after all the Ulster University Radiography students who come through and to ensure that they leave with all the skills required to become qualified Radiographers.”
Chris continued, “Radiographers are a vital member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team. We are very key to the treatment a patient receives. I love meeting my patients, as it is such a rewarding part of the role to be able to help in their treatment plan and care.”
Radiology Interim Governance Lead, Mark Cadden, detailed how important it is to him to work in the world of Radiography.
“As part of my role, I ensure there are systems and processes in place to support our Radiology Team, to deliver quality and safe care for our patients. The Radiology Team is so important. Virtually every patient comes into the Radiology Imaging Pathway, whether it is having an Ultrasound during pregnancy or a CT scan as an adult, so it is important to support their diagnostic journey.”
Mark added, “Coming into a hospital setting can be a scary time for a patient, so it is important that there is a trained professional with a friendly face who can help guide them through the imaging process and reassure them.
“I am very proud to work in the world of Radiography.”