Radiographers union says workforce shortages drive NHS test waiting lists
10 reported
A letter published in The Guardian from Richard Evans, CEO of the Society and College of Radiographers, responds to a previous article about record numbers of people waiting for NHS diagnostic tests in England. Evans argues that the suggestion by Marlen Suller of Magentus that the NHS should “make better use of existing capacity” and use financial incentives to improve waiting lists misrepresents the situation. He states that radiographers carried out 2.07 million diagnostic imaging tests in March 2026, the highest monthly total recorded, despite an average vacancy rate of 15% and higher rates in some departments. Evans says radiographers already work overtime to meet demand and that there are no hours left to work safely. He notes that government attention on abolishing NHS England and reorganising regional integrated care boards has led to recruitment freezes, with trusts not filling vacant posts and radiography graduates struggling to find jobs despite chronic shortages. Evans calls for a credible government workforce plan, warning that without investment in more radiographers, waiting lists will continue to rise.
What’s reported
Richard Evans is CEO of the Society and College of Radiographers.
The letter responds to a Guardian article from 7 June about record numbers waiting for NHS diagnostic tests in England.
Marlen Suller of Magentus suggested the NHS should “make better use of existing capacity, test patients faster, give them clearer information and use financial incentives to drive improvement.”
In March 2026, radiographers carried out 2.07 million diagnostic imaging tests, the highest monthly total recorded.
The average vacancy rate for radiographers is 15%, with some departments having much higher rates.
Radiographers already work overtime to meet patient demand, and there are no hours left to work safely.
Government attention on abolishing NHS England and reorganising regional integrated care boards has led to recruitment freezes in NHS trusts.
Many imaging services are understaffed, and trusts are not recruiting to fill vacant posts.
Radiography graduates are leaving university and struggling to find jobs despite chronic shortages.
Evans states that without investment in more radiographers, waiting lists will continue to rise.
Key figures
Richard Evans, CEO, Society and College of Radiographers
Marlen Suller, of Magentus
Sources: The Guardian
