Hospital wait times SHIFT downwards

A new radiology training scheme has won an award after cutting training time by 85%. Gary Porter reports...

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A PIONEERING training initiative is helping to cut hospital patient waiting times for diagnostic scans.

The Sonography High Intensity Focused Training programme (SHIFT) has been developed at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).

It works by providing early years radiology trainees with simulation-based training using advanced ultrasound simulators.

The 12-week programme, funded by NHS England through the Midlands Imaging Training Academy, develops key skills in using scanning equipment, taking clear images and anatomy of the abdomen.

Since its launch in 2023, SHIFT has trained 20 radiology trainees - 14 first-year and six second-year doctors.

All will remain at UHNM for their full five-year radiology training, helping to reduce the backlog in the service.