Shortage of Radiologists means 10,000 cancer patients go untreated

As previously reported, health experts are warning Australia is facing a serious shortage of radiologists.

A new study by the union representing radiologists suggests 10,000 cancer patients each year are not receiving the treatment they need.

Dr Liz Kelly of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists says Australia is losing about 10 per cent of its qualified radiologists to overseas medical centres.

More needs to be done to retain these specialists, she says.

“It’s more than just remuneration that keeps these staff within the radiology-oncology system – [it’s] allowing them or having the capacity to work with modern high-technology equipment and allowing them to become involved in research and development,” she said.

Click on the link above to go to the Health Department and read an inquiry into the state of Radiation Oncology in Australia.

(Source: ABC Online)