Radiologist Shortages in Wales Lead to Patient Deterioration, Warns Royal College

Cancer patients in Wales are facing "deteriorating" conditions due to significant delays in diagnostic scans and tests, a direct consequence of a severe shortage of radiologists. The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has warned that NHS Wales currently has 88 fewer radiologists than it needs, representing a 28% shortfall across the nation. This marks the first time the RCR has reported patients' conditions worsening while awaiting crucial diagnostic imaging.

The problem is particularly acute in North and West Wales, where there is a 42% shortfall in consultant radiologists, starkly contrasting with a 22% deficit in South Wales. These figures, published in the Royal College of Radiologists' 2025 clinical radiology census, highlight a worsening situation. Dr Owen Nicholas, a consultant oncologist in Swansea and chair of the Welsh committee for the RCR, stated that the situation "is not getting better and the patients are now getting affected." He also noted the emotional toll on clinicians who must inform anxious patients of delays or cancel appointments due to outstanding scan reports.

Patients are directly experiencing the impact of these shortages. Beverly Scott, who has lived with ovarian and peritoneal cancer for 14 years, emphasized that timely scans are critical for her stable condition. She warned that delays could allow cancer to spread further, rendering treatments ineffective. Similarly, Karen Jones, a patient with breast and colon cancer, described the wait for results as "terrible, horrific and horrendous," leaving patients in "total limbo."

Betsi Cadwaladr health board, which covers some of the most affected areas in North Wales, acknowledged that the figures "can be very worrying for patients." Clara Day, executive medical director at the board, confirmed active recruitment efforts in both radiology and oncology, alongside strengthening links with the North Wales Medical School for future workforce development. She also mentioned "key developments" from their oncology clinical strategy, including nurse-led clinics and specialist nurse teams for colorectal and breast metastatic care, and robust arrangements to prioritize patients.

Despite a substantial increase in demand for imaging services, Day reported that partnering with a third-party provider has contributed to a decline in waiting times for scans and results since April, with these times being closely monitored. However, one of the primary reasons for the overall shortage is that Wales has more radiology departments affected by recruitment freezes than anywhere else in the UK. In 2024, the radiology workforce in Wales grew by only 1.1%, significantly below the UK average of 5%, indicating a systemic issue that continues to challenge the healthcare system and patient care.

What to watch: The effectiveness of recruitment drives and long-term strategies to address radiologist shortfalls.

Editor's note: The article captures the full scope of the report, including the regional breakdown of the shortage, patient testimonials, and official responses from the health board.