Our strategy

In 2019, NHS England published Transforming Imaging Services in England: A National Strategy for Imaging Networks . 

This strategy, along with the NHS Long-Term Plan and the Richards Review - Diagnostics Recovery and Renewal , recognised the significant challenges facing imaging services across the NHS from rising demand, workforce shortages, to ageing equipment, estates and facilities, and inadequate digital infrastructure.

The Imaging Transformation programme is implementing these recommendations, including setting up 22 regional imaging networks with the expectation they will reach 'mature' status by March 2025. 

 

Our ambition

By 2028, the PenRAD Imaging Network across Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly and Devon will have facilitated the highest quality imaging service to the local population.

All networks are required to have workstreams that address:

  • Operational governance
  • IT and Digital
  • Workforce
  • Capital planning and equipment

 

Challenges

We face some specific issues within the peninsula:

  • An ageing population
  • Rural and coastal communities, and areas of multiple deprivation
  • Seasonal impacts from an increased summer population of toursists and seasonal workers
  • Poor road infrastructure compounded by holiday traffic
  • Increased incidence, complexity and volume of disease

 

Our strategy

We are implementing a strategy that sets out how we will facilitate the highest quality imaging service .

A workforce strategic plan has already been developed to address the most urgent challenge of recruitment and retention of the workforce .

We are  developing a digital strategy which will ensure that we stay at the forefront of image sharing, remote reporting as well as embracing the adoption and spread of innovative ideas using artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies across the modalities .

The other challenge is ever-increasing demand arising from changes in performance targets, especially cancer related, as well as clearing backlogs of elective demand.

Find more details about our programmes and the latest performance across the network.

 

Governance

PenRAD is led by a board which includes representation from all of the peninsula's trusts. The board is chaired by Professor Adrian Harris, Chief Medical Officer, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Our work is also supported by a clinical steering group, which includes all Radiology Managers and Clinical Directors.