Perceptions of radiography and the NHS: some preliminary findings

The NHS Plan (Department of Health, 2000) announced that, by the year 2004, 6,500 more therapists and other health professionals would be employed in the NHS. However, there is currently a shortage of entrants to professional training courses in radiography. In a survey of UK therapy radiography schools, Johnson (2000) highlighted a total shortfall of 22 therapy radiography students for the 1999 intake, rising to 46 for the 2000 intake. In order to respond to the increased demand for radiographers it is crucial to identify the key factors that encourage or dissuade potential recruits to enter a radiography career and whether to pursue that career with the NHS. To address these issues a team from the Business School at Loughborough University has been commissioned by the Department of Health to carry out research into the ways in which the NHS is perceived as an employer by potential staff. The two-year project, which commenced in September 2000, focuses specifically on the radiography, physiotherapy and nursing professions. The investigation has been divided into two main stages. The first qualitative stage has now been completed and the findings provide the basis for this paper. The second, quantitative stage is currently being conducted and completion is expected by Autumn 2002. Further details of the structure of the research project are provided in, Who Would be a Radiographer in the NHS? Synergy News, August, 2001.