1 week ago
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Hundreds of thousands of NHS patients are waiting more than 28 days for the results of scans such as MRIs, analysis suggests.
The Royal College of Radiologists examined data published by NHS England on 46.2 million imaging tests carried out last year.
Some 344,960 CT, MRI and other complex scan results were reported after 28 days in 2023, while 745,290 scans had waits of more than four weeks.
Last year, NHS England set a maximum turnaround time of four weeks for reporting scans.
Some 344,960 CT, MRI and other complex scan results were reported after 28 days in 2023 (Stock image)
The figures show that the most common scans people have in England are X-rays, followed by ultrasounds, CT scans and MRIs (Stock image)
Dr Katharine Halliday, president of the Royal College of Radiologists, said: 'The latest NHS diagnostic imaging data highlights a concerning reality: over three-quarters of a million patients waited a month or more for their scan results in 2023, with over 170,000 emergency scans waiting over 28 days to be reported.
'It's a clear indicator that we're short on clinical radiologists, risking patient safety.
'The Government must urgently boost training and retention efforts to meet the demand and ensure timely diagnoses for all.'
The figures show that the most common scans people have in England are X-rays, followed by ultrasounds, CT scans and MRIs.
Analysis showed that 3 per cent (344,960) of CT, MRI and other complex scans were reported after 28 days in 2023, while 2 per cent (745,290) of all scans had waits of over four weeks.
The college said the data further showed that nearly 10,000 scans carried out in A&E departments were reported after 28 days had passed.
NHS England has been contacted for comment.
