PenRAD Imaging Network newsletter
March 2026
Welcome
Welcome to the Easter edition of the PenRad newsletter.
We are now halfway through our fifth year as a network, and unlike several others around the country, we are fortunate to have secured ongoing funding for 2026/27.
Alongside our wider programme of work - some of which is highlighted below - a significant part of our current focus is maintaining and strengthening our digital infrastructure. The growing divergence of EPR suppliers across the peninsula has, as expected, created challenges for our shared RIS systems, which have been central to the collaboration achieved across Devon and Cornwall.
We continue to monitor demand and activity closely, and as many of you will recognise, there is no sign of reduced reliance on imaging within healthcare, particularly for CT, MRI, and ultrasound.
The recently published national cancer plan will place further pressure on imaging departments, with an emphasis on faster, earlier, and more accurate diagnosis. Although robotics and AI are expected to improve productivity in the long term, their impact is not yet being felt in day‑to‑day practice, meaning workforce growth remains essential.
Thank you for your continued support for PenRAD. Please do get in touch if there are areas where you feel the network could make a positive contribution, or if you would like to become more involved.
Digital infrastructure review
We're holding an event on XXX. Digital impact assessment - April stakeholder event on shared radiology infrastructure with EPRs
PenRAD is convening a workshop on Monday 20 April in Plymouth to explore how we can best secure our shared radiology digital infrastructure in the peninsula, as different electronic patient record (EPR) systems become deployed in Devon and Cornwall.
PenRAD has been asked by trusts to carry out an assessment of the potential deployment of EPIC Radiant in Devon, and how to mitigate the risk to integration with Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, including for PROC (Peninsula Radiology On-Call) and Shared Insourced Reporting.
This meeting will inform the assessment and the recommendation to trusts. The day will include opportunities to demo relevant software, including, PACS-based reporting, EPIC Radiant, other RIS (Radiology Information System) products, as well as discussions of the risks and benefits of potential solutions.
This meeting is as critical to the future digital integration of our peninsula imaging services as the decisions made 20 years ago to start us on this journey. It is really important that appropriate colleagues from each trust are represented. Invites have gone out already - please feel free to tell us if you would like to attend.
Case studies showcase the value from network-working
We've published the first in a series of case studies that explore the difference that the PenRAD Imaging Network has been making in the South West peninsula.
Our case studies highlight the successes of our programmes and the value that has been gained for patients and for trusts in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The case studies so far cover:
- Supporting lung cancer diagnosis with AI
- Shared Insourced Reporting Programme
- Digital imaging infrastructure integration
- Securing the sustainability of radiopharmacy services
- Workforce recruitment and retention
- Sharing imaging data between trusts
PROC
Sam: PROC - expanding the rota. Detailing PenRAD's specific role. Add PROC enhancements. Feedback from Tom Sulkin.
Shared Insourced Reporting
The Shared Insourced Reporting Programme (SIRP) continues to grow, with 67 reporters now signed up.
Sam - line on off-payroll situation, else leave
Liam - updated figures requested by Caroline for the infographic
SIRP INFOGRAPHIC TO BE UPDATED (click this link for file version):
SIRP is managed on behalf of the four trusts in the Devon and Cornwall peninsula by the PenRAD Imaging Network. Its aim is to reduce the use of outsourcing companies, by engaging Radiologists already working in the region to carry out additional work at their trust and allows for cross-site reporting at preferable rates for trusts and radiologists alike. This means that the programme can offer Radiologists favourable rates too.
Discover Diagnostics events
The final two career events in this year’s ‘Discover Diagnostics’ series have provided an insight for students into careers in diagnostic imaging and other specialities.
The events are held in collaboration with hospital trusts and are designed to inspire students to consider a scientific careers in healthcare. In January, the University of Exeter hosted a careers day at its St Luke's Campus, and in February, PenRAD Imaging Network colleagues joined the Discovery Day at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (pictured above).
PIPE
Emma - Hopefully I will have some headline PIPE info for the newsletter before the design deadline.........
Liam is in the process of getting the data together in the same place so that he and I can start analysing it.
Non-medical referrers training takes shape
The final management policy, for peninsula-based non-medical referrers (NMR) has been approved by the project board and is now going through individual trust governance processes for approval.
The co-produced training material is being finalised. Non-ionising modalities, MRI, and ultrasound have been included and the training material verified by the relevant SW modality groups and medical physics colleagues.
The project team are in discussion with the Society and College of Radiographers and e-Learning for Health regarding an accessible platform to host the training pack.
Meanwhile, a digital specification for the management tool and a preferred procurement route to develop an in-house solution, has been approved by the project board.
Recruitment of additional data analyst hours is underway to release capacity to enable development of the NMR digital management tool.
Colleagues in the East Midlands Imaging Network (EMRAD) and West of England Imaging Network sit on the project board to ensure that the solution being developed will be transferable to other trusts and networks.
Further funding for artificial intelligence
We are awaiting feedback on whether our proposed roadmap will be supported for additional DDC (NHS Digital Diagnostics Capabaility). If confirmed, we will draw up a plan that will include further investment in artificial intelligence (AI).
The PenRAD AI Sub Group is currently reviewing AI platform options. This could be to support the ability to test out apps before a procurement process, as part of research or for obtaining an algorithm for clinical use.
Areas of interest include chest x-ray and prostate. There is also consideration by trusts for how we might replace our current peninsula-wide CT chest AI solution, when the contract with Qure.ai comes to an end.
Support workforce study day
Checking if we have a photo
Around 60 support workers attended our first CPD study day specifically tailored for this vital staff group. The day was held at South West Imaging Training Academy (SWITA) in Plymouth on 5 March, aimed at Band 2-4 clinical and non-clinical support staff, working in cancer and diagnostics, region-wide.
The day covered topics including how to communicate effectively in challenging situations, help in gaining confidence to raise and resolve concerns, ways to navigate your career pathway with purpose, and support from mentors in clinical practice.
We are grateful to all of the speakers who joined for the day, who included Katie Thompson, President of the Society of Radiographers (SoR), Sue Johnson, Professional Officer (Clinical Imaging) from the Society, Jane Bunce, Workforce Supply Senior Manager at NHS England South West, and Andy Garner, Oncology Lead Educator.
Farewell
We are sorry to say to goodbye to two colleagues who have supported both PenRAD Imaging Network and also the Peninsula Pathology Network. Claire Higdon, Strategic Planningh Consultant, and Charlotte Parkes, Workforce Project Manager leave at the end of March.
Claire has been with the networks since their earliest days and has helped them to become a driving force for diagnostics in the peninsula. Most recently, Claire steered the successful application to the NHS Artificial Intelligence Diagnostic Fund, which resulted in £21m being awarded for the procurement and testing of an AI lung nodule solution.
Charlotte joined the networks in October 2023 and has been behind our successful campaigns to recruit graduate radiographers to work in the region, setting up the 'Discover Diagnostics' careers days and developing training and resources for support staff.
We will miss both of them, their drive and enthusiasm.
John Harrison, PenRAD programme director, said:
'Quote.'
David Gibbs, director of the Peninsula Pathology Network, said:
'Quote.'
Claire Higdon (left) and Charlotte Parkes (right).
Data update
Liam - BI tool data automation live?
Activity
| Total demand | Total activity | |
|---|---|---|
 +4% |
+5% |
|
| 12 months to date | 1,735,449 | 1,556,763 |
| Previous 12 months | 1,668,890 | 1,489,698 |
The selected data above is for all four PenRAD trusts in the year to date (end August 2025).
Outpatient and GP data
| Urgency | Sept-Aug 2024 | Sept-Aug 2025 | Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-week wait (2-week target) | 85.17% | 83.16% | -2.0% |
| Urgent (6-week target) | 90.29% | 87.63% | -2.7% |
| Routine (6-week target) | 77.84% | 78.32% | +0.5% |
| Urgency | Sept-Aug 2024 | Sept-Aug 2025 | Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-week wait (2-week target) | 79.18% | 80.32% | +1.1% |
| Urgent (5-day target) | 83.07% | 83.86% | +0.8% |
| Routine (14-day target) | 97.26% | 97.32% | +0.1% |
The PenRAD BI dashboard is now live, providing the network with access to monthly data for requests, activity, and reporting. Access to the BI report can be requested here. Users can also access the mobile-friendly version of the report using the Power BI app on Android/iOS.
