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AXREM Insights
S6E1 - Workforce Wellbeing in Focus: Insights with Charlotte Beardmore CBE
In this episode of AXREM Insights, Sally Edgington is joined by Future Leaders Paige Ward and Katie Glastonbury to discuss workforce wellbeing and burnout with Charlotte Beardmore CBE, Executive Director of Professional Policy at the Society and College of Radiographers. Charlotte shares her professional journey from clinical radiographer to policy leader and highlights the importance of supporting radiographers through co-designed technology, funded research, and mentorship opportunities. She stresses the vital role industry can play in ensuring radiographers are not only heard but also empowered in shaping the tools, pathways, and policies that impact their daily work.
The conversation explores how medtech suppliers can alleviate pressures on an overstretched workforce by investing in CPD, sponsoring networking opportunities, and supporting initiatives that reduce stress and isolation. From mentorship schemes to wellbeing hubs and collaborative events, Charlotte emphasises that professional development and community support are crucial for retention and resilience. The episode closes with a lighter discussion, giving listeners a glimpse of the personalities behind the microphones, while underscoring the collective mission to build a healthier, more sustainable workforce.
Thanks to co-hosts and AXREM future leaders Katie Glastonbury, Communications Manager at Medica Group and Paige Ward, Clinical Product Manager at AGFA HealthCare
Rad Magazine sponsor of AXREM's UKIO Drinks Reception and Leading Publication in the Medical Imaging and Oncology Space
Thanks for listening to this week's episode
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This Transcript is AI generated and therefore spelling errors or incorrect words may appear. This transcript is solely to be used as an aid alongside the audio and should not be considered a word for word replica of the audio.
[00:00.000 --> 00:06.160] Welcome to Axrem Insights, developing healthcare through medtech and innovation. Join Melanie
[00:06.160 --> 00:11.280] Johnson and Sally Edgington as they talk with our industry leaders and experts.
[00:11.280 --> 00:19.120] Hello, and welcome to Axrem Insights, wellbeing and workforce burnout podcast. I'm Sally Edgington
[00:19.120 --> 00:26.280] and today my co-hosts are Paige Ward, Clinical Product Manager at Ag for Healthcare and Katie
[00:26.280 --> 00:32.520] Glastonbury, Communications Manager at Medica, who are also Axrem Future Leader representatives.
[00:33.080 --> 00:37.960] Today we have the pleasure to be speaking to Charlotte Beardmore, Executive Director
[00:37.960 --> 00:43.480] of Professional Policy at the Society and College of Radiographers. So welcome Charlotte,
[00:43.480 --> 00:48.440] and thank you for being on our show today. Let's start by handing over to you to tell us a little
[00:48.440 --> 00:53.400] bit about yourself, what's your story and how did you end up here today? Well, thanks very much
[00:53.400 --> 01:01.080] firstly for inviting me to be on a podcast and to meet you all. As Sally said, my name's Charlotte
[01:01.080 --> 01:05.880] Beardmore, I'm a radiographer. I trained initially as a diagnostic radiographer at Guy's Hospital in
[01:05.880 --> 01:12.040] London and then was fortunate or perhaps old enough now to dual qualify and train as a therapeutic
[01:12.040 --> 01:16.840] radiographer, which has been, they've both been valuable qualifications throughout my profession.
[01:17.400 --> 01:22.040] I worked clinically for a number of years at the Royal Marsden Hospital where I was very involved
[01:22.040 --> 01:28.680] in research and engaged with industry in research-sponsored work and then moved to
[01:28.680 --> 01:34.600] be a service manager at the Royal Berkshire Cancer Centre in Reading. And during that time,
[01:34.600 --> 01:40.600] I guess I really wanted to make a difference in terms of how radiographers were supported and
[01:40.600 --> 01:45.560] developed in their career. And at that point, I felt that the Society of Radiographers didn't
[01:45.560 --> 01:50.200] really represent therapeutic radiographers strongly enough. So I put my hand up and I said,
[01:50.200 --> 01:55.240] oh, what's happening to support the therapeutic radiographers as a smaller number than the
[01:55.240 --> 02:00.840] diagnostic? So the then president said, well, why don't you stand for council of the Society
[02:00.840 --> 02:06.040] of Radiographers? And got a weekend to turn this around, you need nominations and support.
[02:06.040 --> 02:11.880] And I thought, absolutely, I need to do this. I can't sit back. I need to step forward and try
[02:11.880 --> 02:16.280] and influence change. And that's how I became engaged with the Society of Radiographers
[02:16.920 --> 02:22.440] on the council and then served as president. And then I went on maternity leave, actually,
[02:22.440 --> 02:27.320] and a job came up at the Society of Radiographers one day a week working on radiotherapy as the
[02:27.320 --> 02:33.160] professional officer. So I took that job and then that job has progressed into being the professional
[02:33.160 --> 02:38.200] and educational manager and now into my current role as executive director of professional policy,
[02:38.200 --> 02:44.680] which I've been doing since 2014. So really exciting in a nutshell. You did ask me, Sally,
[02:44.680 --> 02:50.840] so I've run through a sort of brief summary of how I've got from my qualification days
[02:50.840 --> 02:56.120] as a radiographer profession that I really, really do enjoy. And I really enjoy now being
[02:56.120 --> 03:01.000] able to influence some work with key stakeholders at the national level to try and bring about
[03:01.000 --> 03:06.760] change for the profession and importantly, for patients. Absolutely. And it sounds like
[03:06.760 --> 03:11.240] you've been on quite a journey and it's fantastic that you're here saying, I know when we speak,
[03:11.240 --> 03:17.800] I can tell just how passionate you are about the workforce and radiographers. So radiographers are
[03:17.800 --> 03:22.760] at the heart of diagnostic care, yet too often their voices are overlooked in conversations
[03:22.760 --> 03:28.440] about technology, innovation and workforce support. As Axfam continues to advocate for
[03:28.440 --> 03:33.880] meaningful collaboration between industry and frontline staff, it's vital that we ask,
[03:33.880 --> 03:39.240] how can suppliers do more to empower, support and listen to those behind the imaging systems?
[03:39.880 --> 03:44.600] In today's discussion, I want to spotlight the opportunities for medtech companies to work hand
[03:44.600 --> 03:51.160] in hand with radiographers, co-designing tools, shaping career pathways and building environments
[03:51.160 --> 03:56.600] that truly prioritise wellbeing and retention. So let's explore these questions and consider
[03:56.600 --> 04:01.160] where industry can make a real lasting impact. So over to you, Katie.
[04:01.160 --> 04:06.840] Hi. So as Sally said there, medtech companies need to work hand in hand with radiographers.
[04:06.840 --> 04:10.840] Can I ask how you feel like medtech companies can work more closely
[04:11.400 --> 04:17.640] with radiographers to co-design equipment that improves workflow and patient outcomes?
[04:17.640 --> 04:21.320] Thanks, Katie, for your question. I think firstly, I'd just like to acknowledge
[04:21.320 --> 04:27.000] the huge amount of work that industry do already do with working with professionals and clinical
[04:27.000 --> 04:33.400] services. I think we've always had that close link. If I look back over my career, we've had
[04:33.400 --> 04:38.440] that engagement, that involvement from industry right from the application specialist training
[04:39.000 --> 04:45.000] through to support for education and training, more formal courses, events, et cetera. But I
[04:45.000 --> 04:51.080] think that needs to continue and grow. And I think continuing on all of that sort of brilliant
[04:51.080 --> 04:57.640] platform that's already been laid out and happens, that engagement through the radiography voice
[04:57.720 --> 05:03.560] is important. But I think because the profession are under such strain at the moment, we have a
[05:03.560 --> 05:09.560] high vacancy rate, there's the pressure to improve productivity, it's really hard for
[05:09.560 --> 05:14.280] radiographers to be released and given time, I think, to spend with industry colleagues.
[05:15.000 --> 05:20.760] I look back over my career and I think there was time, there was slack in the day for industry to
[05:20.760 --> 05:25.480] come in and talk with radiographers to run journal clubs. And I think it's about building
[05:25.480 --> 05:32.200] those relationships, which are the most important aspect of support. Because we all know, don't we,
[05:32.200 --> 05:37.240] if we're familiar with people, we can work much more effectively. We know that you have a different
[05:37.240 --> 05:42.760] voice in industry, say with government, but we need to sort of really work closely, I guess,
[05:42.760 --> 05:47.800] as well as a professional organization with you, which we do. And we are engaged in quite a number
[05:47.800 --> 05:52.600] of your work streams. So I think, I guess in summary, in answer to your question, it's at
[05:52.600 --> 05:58.200] the local level in service, through all levels of practice within the profession, hearing those
[05:58.200 --> 06:03.640] voices, but also at the national level through working collaboratively with the professional
[06:03.640 --> 06:10.120] body as well and listening to our sort of feedback. But I guess there's always more we can do. And I
[06:10.120 --> 06:15.880] know industry do support financially quite a lot of work that is undertaken by radiographers,
[06:15.880 --> 06:22.120] particularly in relation to research. And that's funny because that feeds into what I felt like
[06:22.120 --> 06:27.480] would make a good next question. And that is, what role can industry play in supporting
[06:27.480 --> 06:32.360] radiographer-led research and innovation? Fantastic question. We're always keen on
[06:33.800 --> 06:40.120] funded and supported research. And I think we need to grow the evidence base as a service,
[06:40.120 --> 06:44.840] as professionals. And we've got an increasing number of radiographers, which is really exciting
[06:44.840 --> 06:51.240] to see engaged in research. It is challenging for, as I mentioned, because of the service
[06:51.240 --> 06:55.640] pressures and having time to engage in that research, both radiographer-led, but also
[06:55.640 --> 07:01.000] participating with teams. We have a brilliant scheme within the College of Radiographers,
[07:01.000 --> 07:06.360] the College of Radiographers Industry Partnership Scheme, where industry can partner with us to
[07:06.920 --> 07:12.520] join our scheme. And from that, the funding that's given goes directly to supporting
[07:12.520 --> 07:18.280] novice researchers. And we offer out two rounds of research funding each year. So I encourage all
[07:18.280 --> 07:23.320] those industry partners who aren't necessarily engaged with our scheme to engage with it.
[07:23.320 --> 07:28.120] The research, as I mentioned, supports those novice researchers who are developing their
[07:28.120 --> 07:33.160] skills. So it's small pots of funding, but very much aligned to the research priorities
[07:33.160 --> 07:37.400] that our College of Radiographers Board have approved within our research strategy.
[07:37.400 --> 07:42.440] So that's one way. And I also think that gives presence to the industry partners as well,
[07:42.440 --> 07:48.680] because you can have a profile on our web pages. You can engage in sort of broader ways with our
[07:48.680 --> 07:54.920] membership. And our membership is over 33,000 now within the UK. So huge opportunities there.
[07:54.920 --> 08:01.400] So I think joining our COREPS Industry Partnership Scheme is key. And I think there are also other
[08:01.400 --> 08:08.200] opportunities whereby industry can support specific areas of research, potentially looking
[08:08.200 --> 08:13.720] towards clinical fellows. Is there an opportunity for industry to work with services in a sort of
[08:13.720 --> 08:19.480] consortium to support clinical fellow roles who can then focus on specific areas of research?
[08:19.480 --> 08:23.640] And that probably does happen already, but I think there's more that can be done in that space.
[08:24.440 --> 08:28.120] That's fantastic, Charlotte. I'm sure that there will be people listening.
[08:28.120 --> 08:33.080] Their ears would have bricked up and there would be probably some more inquiries, I would expect.
[08:33.080 --> 08:40.120] With regards to CPD opportunities, how can companies contribute to those and advanced
[08:40.120 --> 08:45.800] practice pathways for radiographers? I think it would be wrong of me not to
[08:45.800 --> 08:50.040] acknowledge the amount that industry do offer. And I know many, many companies
[08:50.040 --> 08:55.880] offer CPD opportunities and they may be bite-sized chunks. They may be more formal education and
[08:55.880 --> 09:00.040] training linked to specific areas of equipment and service development.
[09:00.600 --> 09:06.600] So I think building on that is key and I think we see at UKIO all of the education on the
[09:06.600 --> 09:12.120] staff which is offered and there's almost too much to be able to learn from it all.
[09:13.000 --> 09:17.880] But what's fantastic there is industry have really engaged through UKIO in seeking the College of
[09:17.880 --> 09:24.680] Radiographers CPD endorsement for those bite-sized chunks of learning and they can directly inform
[09:25.640 --> 09:29.640] you know a radiographer's portfolio in terms of maintaining their regulation,
[09:30.600 --> 09:34.520] their portfolio which they submit to the regulator should they be called for audit.
[09:34.520 --> 09:39.720] So I think there's huge potential there to continue the great work that's happening there.
[09:40.440 --> 09:44.040] Also you know I'm very grateful as an organization that we have sponsorship
[09:44.040 --> 09:49.720] directly from some companies who sponsor say for example our National Conference of Radiology
[09:49.720 --> 09:53.560] Leaders. In May we have that collaboration with Philips and we have collaborations with
[09:53.560 --> 09:58.440] other companies as well and they bring about those direct opportunities both for CPD
[09:59.080 --> 10:03.720] but also importantly I believe for networking that face-to-face networking where we all like
[10:03.720 --> 10:11.160] to chat and share, share a concern, learn together but that direct face-to-face contact
[10:11.160 --> 10:17.080] becomes really important. It sounds like that that's the perfect way to help radiographers
[10:17.080 --> 10:22.120] develop their careers, access leadership training and I'm not sure if you know much
[10:22.120 --> 10:26.040] about mentorship programs but I'm sure again the listeners would be keen to
[10:26.680 --> 10:31.160] know what your hot takes are on what mentorship programs there are available.
[10:32.280 --> 10:36.840] I think mentorship is really key and I think developing systems which can support
[10:37.480 --> 10:43.320] all of the profession having access to membership is key. You know at the local level I think
[10:43.320 --> 10:49.400] investment in the NHS to support mentorship of new practitioners and practitioners at all levels of
[10:49.400 --> 10:55.480] practice Katie in terms of that career progression which you talked about and I guess we have two
[10:55.480 --> 10:59.880] mentorship schemes at the College of Radiographers and the Society of Radiographers. We have our
[11:00.440 --> 11:07.000] formal research mentorship scheme which has been running for a number of years now really valuable
[11:07.000 --> 11:12.520] where we have a number of trained mentors who support up to 15 mentees each year and they
[11:12.520 --> 11:17.880] work on a one-to-one basis to develop their research skills, their confidence, their capability
[11:17.880 --> 11:23.880] and we've seen really positive output from that where professionals have really grown in their
[11:23.880 --> 11:30.600] confidence in really striving to develop their career and similarly in leadership which we
[11:30.600 --> 11:35.080] recognise is absolutely critical at all levels of the profession. We have a leadership mentorship
[11:35.080 --> 11:39.400] scheme which is a little which has been running for a couple of years now but huge interest in
[11:39.400 --> 11:44.600] that as well. I think it'd be wrong of me not to talk here a little bit about our perceptorship
[11:44.600 --> 11:48.760] work that we're doing also to support the profession so mentorship is important
[11:48.760 --> 11:54.840] but perceptorship you know really from the start of someone's an early career radiographer having
[11:54.840 --> 11:59.640] appropriate perceptorship and access to that is important so we're working on
[12:00.440 --> 12:05.560] guidance this year to support the radiography profession and we will look to promote that
[12:05.560 --> 12:10.920] amongst professionals and I guess one other point that I might make in relation to sort of career
[12:10.920 --> 12:17.000] progression in relation to advancing practice we're also developing some mapping tools for
[12:17.000 --> 12:21.960] the profession to aid them in meeting the standards that the professional body sets
[12:21.960 --> 12:25.960] and that the government set in relation to advancing practice so that individuals can
[12:25.960 --> 12:31.640] take control as well of their own learning and development. It all feeds into that wellbeing
[12:31.640 --> 12:39.080] piece definitely. And I think that based upon those questions I can see that we're so engaged
[12:39.080 --> 12:44.280] with the Society and College Charlotte. One of the events I most look forward to every year is
[12:44.280 --> 12:50.280] that Radiology Managers Conference because it's such a buzz about the place it's so well attended
[12:50.280 --> 12:55.800] and I found some of the sessions you know there's a lot around wellbeing and you know I found that
[12:55.800 --> 13:01.720] useful myself and I don't work in you know in a radiology department and I didn't realize that
[13:01.720 --> 13:07.960] you had so many members 33 000 members in the UK is very impressive and we look forward to continuing
[13:07.960 --> 13:13.400] to build upon our relationship and the work that we do together. So I'm now going to hand
[13:13.400 --> 13:20.040] over to Paige for a couple more questions for you Charlotte. Thanks Sally. Thanks Sally. Charlotte
[13:20.040 --> 13:25.080] earlier you mentioned there's a lot of pressure for radiographers in terms of productivity and
[13:25.080 --> 13:31.960] service pressures. How can suppliers and industry ensure that new technologies reduce cognitive load
[13:31.960 --> 13:38.200] maybe reduce some of that pressure for radiographers? Really fantastic question
[13:38.200 --> 13:46.600] Paige. You know we need more workforce undoubtedly in the UK and we lobby government all of the time
[13:46.600 --> 13:51.960] about investment in growing the workforce and as demand for imaging continues that's not going to
[13:51.960 --> 13:58.040] go away. So your point's really well made and I think it's about thinking about and working
[13:58.040 --> 14:03.400] with service and practitioners in understanding how the say the technology fits within that
[14:03.400 --> 14:09.320] patient pathway but it's also about services looking at their patient pathways and thinking
[14:09.960 --> 14:16.120] how they can reinvent those if the technology is developing and changing and we and we know there's
[14:16.120 --> 14:21.880] a huge opportunity I think as radiographers I think Paige you mentioned you were a radiographer
[14:21.880 --> 14:26.840] we know over our careers we've adapted and embraced technological change we do it that's
[14:26.840 --> 14:32.200] what we do as radiographers we do it safely we use the evidence base and we use and optimize the
[14:32.200 --> 14:37.400] training opportunity we have from industry but I also know that radiographers on the front line have
[14:38.200 --> 14:42.600] huge experience of those pathways and that equipment and they know the bits of the equipment
[14:42.600 --> 14:47.160] that are sort of slowing them down or a bit of a bug bear so I think it comes back to the point
[14:47.160 --> 14:53.640] that Katie made that actually that engagement is critical but hearing from all levels of practitioners
[14:53.640 --> 15:00.840] as well so creating opportunities for that feedback to be given I think is essential it's
[15:00.840 --> 15:06.760] amazing now when I was training you know CT scan CT scanners had just come to the market
[15:06.760 --> 15:12.600] and it took an hour to undertake a brain scan and in that time patient you know radiographers had time
[15:12.600 --> 15:18.120] to talk with the patients there wasn't that back-to-back pressure CT scanning now as I
[15:18.120 --> 15:24.520] understand you know five minute appointment slots you barely have time to undertake the care that
[15:24.520 --> 15:28.680] you want to provide and I think radiographers have to become very skilled in that delivery
[15:28.680 --> 15:33.880] and using things like hello my name is campaign I'm a radiographer really puts patients at ease
[15:33.880 --> 15:39.000] and that's something we're campaigning for over this year but back to your question I think it's
[15:39.000 --> 15:43.560] about that engagement at every level it's at the national level where we have opportunity I know
[15:43.640 --> 15:48.840] Sally through Axrem we're engaged in quite a lot of the work that Axrem are leading on AI
[15:48.840 --> 15:53.720] and technology and we've been really pleased to be part of that work and that's working alongside
[15:53.720 --> 15:58.520] the radiologists the physicists as well as well as industry and then at the local level being
[15:58.520 --> 16:04.840] able to capture that intelligence page I think is really important yeah as you said radiographers
[16:04.840 --> 16:08.840] know the equipment they know the pathways like inside and out right they use it day in and day
[16:08.840 --> 16:16.360] out and one thing that it took me a while I guess to learn is don't be afraid to speak up because
[16:16.360 --> 16:21.000] you should never assume that other people know those gaps and know those frustrations
[16:21.000 --> 16:27.800] never assume other people have the same ideas if you see something where you can improve actively
[16:27.800 --> 16:33.400] seek to get that feedback to the right channel rather than wait for someone to come to you if
[16:33.400 --> 16:38.120] that makes sense that's the only way we're going to improve in my personal experience no I think
[16:38.120 --> 16:42.040] I absolutely agree with you and we all feel and we know it from surveys that we've done that
[16:42.040 --> 16:47.560] radiographers feel too busy they feel as though they're on you know they're being monitored and
[16:47.560 --> 16:52.040] measured for the number of patients that they are seeing and scanning and obviously you know
[16:52.040 --> 16:56.840] productivity is really important and it's important as a patient is it as a member of the public
[16:56.840 --> 17:02.280] I want my examinations to be slick I want them to be efficient but I want them to be of high quality
[17:02.280 --> 17:07.240] with the best technology and I agree with you Paige it's having those opportunities within
[17:07.240 --> 17:12.200] service as well for radiographers to speak up they can't necessarily do it during their
[17:12.200 --> 17:16.840] busy working day but are there those opportunities where audits undertaken those
[17:16.840 --> 17:21.160] multi-professional team meetings the staff meetings where perhaps industry could come in
[17:21.160 --> 17:27.240] and listen about specific areas of practice or technology so I agree with you and I think
[17:28.600 --> 17:33.320] you think all that bit of technology is really irritating how can we improve it or if everyone
[17:33.320 --> 17:37.320] else will have fed that back but have they fed that back has it reached the right ears
[17:37.320 --> 17:41.640] but I also think on a really positive note you know having members of the profession
[17:41.640 --> 17:47.400] working in industry is so important and we've seen the value of that and that relationship
[17:47.400 --> 17:53.000] building then enables perhaps that improved and enhanced communication so that's really
[17:53.000 --> 17:58.280] positive to see and seeing radiographers within all aspects of industry absolutely
[17:58.840 --> 18:05.240] now when radiographers are quite busy obviously with that busyness and pressure comes stress
[18:05.880 --> 18:11.240] what can industry do in your opinion to support radiographer well-being and reduce burnout in
[18:11.240 --> 18:17.080] these high pressure environments? Really really good question and it'd be really great if there
[18:17.080 --> 18:23.000] was an instant and solution wouldn't it it's really difficult I think one of the I think
[18:23.000 --> 18:29.320] I think just being able to offer some support and things like sponsorship for events I give
[18:29.320 --> 18:35.320] an example I attended a special interest group and it was in the radiotherapy sphere and it was on
[18:35.320 --> 18:42.200] pre-treatment and one of our members had been has organizing this event himself it brought together
[18:42.200 --> 18:46.920] about 100 radiographers from pre-treatment and there must have been about seven or eight industry
[18:46.920 --> 18:52.760] stands within that event which was a very niche area pre-treatment in radiotherapy
[18:52.760 --> 18:57.320] but seeing the engagement and the support that those radiographers felt from being able to be
[18:57.320 --> 19:02.760] there for the day obviously their employers had given them the time off but the empowerment that
[19:02.760 --> 19:09.560] that then gave and that energy in the room page I think really was supported by industry who equally
[19:09.560 --> 19:14.120] get you know gave presentations on the day shared their knowledge there was that real opportunity
[19:14.120 --> 19:19.320] for collaboration so I think sometimes small things such as that can make a real difference
[19:19.400 --> 19:24.200] sponsoring lunches perhaps in hospitals you know I know there are things that seem quite small but
[19:24.200 --> 19:30.040] they're really challenging in the NHS now to create that opportunity for you know that's
[19:30.600 --> 19:39.160] more relaxed perhaps discussion and networking so it's hard but I think again equipment design
[19:40.280 --> 19:44.360] and really responding and listening to professionals who are using that equipment
[19:45.000 --> 19:51.720] really starts to help that that enhancement in service some of the things that we're doing
[19:51.720 --> 19:56.280] we we have our quality standard for imaging which we own with the college with the Royal College of
[19:56.280 --> 20:02.120] Radiologists and and that's now a system which looks at continual quality improvement so it's
[20:02.120 --> 20:08.600] across equipment it's across workforce it's across setting all about improving standards both for the
[20:08.600 --> 20:13.400] professional but also ultimately that's important for the patient as well so I guess there are
[20:13.400 --> 20:19.160] standards that we're working on and developing which obviously involve equipment which we you
[20:19.160 --> 20:25.240] know embracing industry and put into those that are really important I think yeah I think what
[20:25.240 --> 20:31.080] you know you mentioned um like sponsorship of events I think those events just to bring people
[20:31.080 --> 20:36.920] together to kind of share common experiences is so important I used to work in a rural hospital and
[20:37.480 --> 20:40.760] often I wouldn't really connect with people outside of the hospital walls and I was the
[20:40.760 --> 20:46.840] only CT radiographer so it was quite isolating so I think suppliers are kind of like the glue
[20:46.840 --> 20:51.800] the industry the glue to really bring these people together and give people opportunities to
[20:51.800 --> 20:58.040] extend beyond their day-to-day work and scope of what they normally see and learn from each other
[20:58.040 --> 21:05.160] so yeah I think that's a great point and really important takeaway for industry in terms of more
[21:05.160 --> 21:12.040] like mental health and well-being are there any initiatives you think suppliers in industry
[21:12.040 --> 21:18.440] can implement to support more with well-being beyond bringing people together and sponsorship
[21:20.520 --> 21:24.600] that's quite a difficult question I'm interested to know more perhaps what industry
[21:25.320 --> 21:31.480] are doing in that space well I think we have the the the steps challenge coming up which
[21:31.560 --> 21:36.280] industry are involved in with axrem and I think that's bringing a lot of industry
[21:36.280 --> 21:41.720] together and we all know that exercise is really important for mental health and for me like
[21:41.720 --> 21:46.840] exercise is my daily non-negotiable so you know are there more activities that we could do that
[21:46.840 --> 21:53.960] aren't that are unrelated to work for example well we've been running a well-being a radiate hub
[21:53.960 --> 21:59.320] within the society of radiographers and I think it emerged from the pandemic page you know where
[21:59.320 --> 22:04.920] everybody was very felt very isolated we recognized that radiographers needed an outlet
[22:04.920 --> 22:10.680] to come to to join fellow colleagues as you've said albeit virtual a lot of a lot of the events
[22:10.680 --> 22:18.280] but offering well-being in terms of yoga at your desk reflection opportunities thinking about you
[22:18.280 --> 22:24.200] know exercise routines etc sleep patterns all of those things really important and I guess
[22:24.200 --> 22:29.160] there's opportunity there for industry to contribute some of that but equally I see
[22:29.160 --> 22:35.720] through you know linkedin social media great initiatives I think radiotherapy uk have been
[22:35.720 --> 22:41.080] doing some activities as well they do sort of marathons so I think and and and running
[22:41.080 --> 22:48.120] opportunities run so much in a in a you know in a month so I think having opportunity to contribute
[22:48.120 --> 22:53.800] to those schemes that industry might be running would be fantastic and and really actively
[22:53.800 --> 22:58.840] engaging I guess radiographers and encouraging them to be part of that would would be really
[22:58.840 --> 23:04.040] important and then perhaps profiling those who've you know really done well in those activities or
[23:04.040 --> 23:11.000] you know done the most number of steps as you've said etc it's difficult because people want their
[23:11.640 --> 23:17.560] their own time don't they but they also want to engage as a community and for me I think having
[23:17.560 --> 23:23.160] opportunity perhaps to join industry groups special interest groups might be helpful we've
[23:23.160 --> 23:29.800] seen communities of practice really grow within our own organization but involving and growing
[23:29.800 --> 23:35.080] those perhaps with industry might be very important as well okay thanks charlotte some really great
[23:35.080 --> 23:41.160] ideas there there's one thing other I was going to say that I think the other area perhaps not
[23:41.160 --> 23:44.840] necessarily well it is well-being it's about supporting the professional development of
[23:44.840 --> 23:51.160] radiographers and I think you know offering industry awards and sponsored awards has been
[23:51.160 --> 23:55.720] really important for our organization if I think of radiographers of the year those events have
[23:55.720 --> 24:02.680] been sponsored by industry and they're so empowering and regions can nominate radiographers to be their
[24:02.680 --> 24:07.720] nominated representative and then they go into the final for the uk representative and we've
[24:07.720 --> 24:13.080] been growing those awards across many levels of practice including educations and students
[24:13.800 --> 24:19.320] so I think those have given quite a lot of profile and and they they're not you know they're big
[24:19.320 --> 24:24.120] things for those people to be recognized and often it's the same people who get recognized
[24:24.120 --> 24:29.320] because they're able to contribute to national work streams but enabling the voice of radiographers
[24:29.320 --> 24:33.480] at the local level through that scheme I think is really important and obviously with that
[24:33.480 --> 24:38.840] sponsorship of industry I think those things are good for individuals well-being as well
[24:38.840 --> 24:46.360] someone's noticed me I feel empowered I'm doing well it's so important yeah it's a really good
[24:46.360 --> 24:51.960] motivator that recognition as well thanks Charlotte we are actually I'm also doing some other things
[24:51.960 --> 24:58.840] to if you like motivate and help with your members at UKIO next year we're actually going to be
[24:58.840 --> 25:06.360] organizing a morning run and walk for anybody that's there and it's not just industry we very
[25:06.360 --> 25:10.600] much welcome delegates to join us and obviously more details about that will come out that's
[25:10.600 --> 25:16.600] actually being led by our future leaders council we're hoping it becomes an annual event and then
[25:16.600 --> 25:22.920] in terms of our million steps challenge we are happy for anybody to take part and help contribute
[25:22.920 --> 25:28.040] hopefully as we build upon this event year-on-year maybe we'll be doing a 10 million steps challenge
[25:28.040 --> 25:33.320] you know because we'll get so many people involved in it so very very happy for people to join us
[25:33.320 --> 25:38.280] for that and this year we're raising money for action for children and it's literally a £20
[25:38.280 --> 25:44.520] entry fee all of that money goes to the charity and we're also doing an organized walk for that
[25:44.520 --> 25:50.120] event as well so more than happy to share those details with your members as well I just wanted
[25:50.120 --> 25:55.080] to come back on a couple of points that were just discussed there I think that technology obviously
[25:55.080 --> 26:00.120] helps create efficiencies so I'm hoping that that then creates a better working environment
[26:00.200 --> 26:06.600] for radiographers and also it's a nicer experience for the patient and actually then radiographers
[26:06.600 --> 26:10.840] get to spend more time with the patient because ultimately you know I would have loved to have
[26:10.840 --> 26:15.160] worked in the NHS so I always wanted to be a maxino facial surgeon but unfortunately
[26:15.160 --> 26:22.440] it's never followed that path but for me it's all about the people and I'm sure that a radiographer
[26:22.440 --> 26:27.000] joins the profession because they want to do what's right by a patient and have that patient
[26:27.000 --> 26:31.800] interaction so I think that hopefully that the technology that our members provide like you
[26:31.800 --> 26:38.360] mentioned earlier AI and other technologies that are being developed mean that the radiographer
[26:38.360 --> 26:43.320] you know goes home happier because they're working in a nicer environment and the patients had a
[26:43.320 --> 26:49.560] really positive experience it's normally the AI is about the reduced administrative burden isn't
[26:49.560 --> 26:56.840] it so AI isn't about to take the job of the radiographer it's just hoping to support them
[26:56.840 --> 27:03.160] in ways that can save them time and get more time with the patient I think that's a really
[27:03.880 --> 27:08.520] well-made point radiographers go into the profession because they care they want to care
[27:08.520 --> 27:14.920] but they want to have time to care and too often they are associated with I'm the CT radiographer
[27:14.920 --> 27:20.520] I'm the MR radiographer and I think they're not seen as that rounded practitioner by those outside
[27:20.520 --> 27:26.440] of the service and that value that the radiographer brings in putting the patient at ease you know
[27:26.520 --> 27:32.120] ensuring that the procedure is undertaken safely it's an appropriate investigation and also then
[27:32.120 --> 27:37.160] the patient knows what's happening to them next in that pathway or actually taking them onto that
[27:37.160 --> 27:41.400] next step in the pathway which must be the vision I think in the radiography profession that we want
[27:41.400 --> 27:47.560] to manage these pathways of care the technology and our expertise in relation to that technology
[27:47.560 --> 27:52.520] is absolutely essential in terms of radiation protection safe use of the equipment goes without
[27:52.520 --> 27:57.080] saying but actually what more can we do particularly with the I guess we're seeing
[27:57.080 --> 28:03.800] the government direction reinforced on community care preventative care and I think radiographers
[28:03.800 --> 28:08.920] have got a huge role to play in that we've seen the CDCs and radiographers leading those pathways
[28:08.920 --> 28:13.480] of care really important improving access improving that care Sally that you're talking about
[28:13.480 --> 28:18.840] and I think you're right that absolutely will help to support retention within the profession
[28:18.840 --> 28:23.720] both if radiographers are able to advance their careers manage pathways of care and have that
[28:24.440 --> 28:30.280] really strong patient interaction an opportunity to do that we will support retention and growth
[28:30.280 --> 28:35.560] in the profession the equipment the technologies absolutely critical to that and we need those to
[28:35.560 --> 28:39.880] be slick and efficient and we all know when we work in departments that have got that new
[28:40.600 --> 28:46.440] nice equipment nice layout nice setting we're much happier aren't we and when we're working
[28:46.440 --> 28:50.840] with equipment that we feels outdated because there is some outdated equipment in the NHS
[28:51.560 --> 28:57.000] actually it's less attractive and if you know if the equipment breaks down you know you've got to
[28:57.000 --> 29:03.400] manage patient care during that so I think because of the efficiencies we're now seeing in the way
[29:03.400 --> 29:10.120] that equipment is designed developed tested integrated we're seeing less of that but that
[29:10.120 --> 29:14.920] lovely new equipment is so important isn't it in supporting the best care that we can provide to
[29:14.920 --> 29:21.560] patients and we're doing fantastic work in in that space and I love the idea of all the steps
[29:21.560 --> 29:26.600] and the growth in all of those steps Sally I've got to get out walking now I've got big plans now
[29:26.600 --> 29:31.240] I've got big hopes that lots of people will join us in our future events so like I say we're hoping
[29:31.240 --> 29:35.880] it'll become an annual event every September and we can really get people on board and it'll all be
[29:35.880 --> 29:41.320] for a great cause every year so thank you very much right I'm going to mix things up now we're
[29:41.320 --> 29:46.280] going to sort of take things a little bit more informal with a quirky question for you Charlotte
[29:46.840 --> 29:52.840] so if you could swap lives with a celebrity for a day who would it be and what would you do
[29:53.640 --> 29:58.600] oh it's a it's a difficult one that one Sally because there are so many people but I think I
[29:58.600 --> 30:06.200] have to I want to choose a woman naturally because I want you know I'm really behind women leaders
[30:06.200 --> 30:12.040] and I guess I've always had a bit of a desire to be a journalist and it's it's probably something
[30:12.040 --> 30:18.760] I struggled with at school and so I looked at people like Fiona Bruce, Sophie Raworth, Fiona
[30:18.760 --> 30:24.680] Bruce and I love fake or fortune I've become really addicted to works of art I think not that
[30:24.680 --> 30:30.360] I have any or have that many to buy those works of art so I suppose someone internationally would
[30:30.360 --> 30:37.800] be someone like Lise Doucet who is an international journalist who reports from war zones and in
[30:37.800 --> 30:43.560] particular she's shown a lot of empathy and compassion for both children in those war zones
[30:43.560 --> 30:50.040] but also women in Afghanistan and you know she's she's she always comes across as quite a quiet
[30:50.040 --> 30:55.560] relaxed person but I'm sure working in that area and trying to get your messages across
[30:56.120 --> 31:01.720] to the international world about what's suffering is happening out there feels really important to
[31:01.720 --> 31:07.560] me so it would be fantastic although perhaps a little scary to be out there in those zones but
[31:07.560 --> 31:11.800] I think there's more we can all do internationally to support the well-being of
[31:12.360 --> 31:17.480] of the population of the world and I think she conveys messages in a way that I would
[31:17.480 --> 31:23.400] always want to convey messages. Wow that's a that's an amazing one and I'm going to actually spring
[31:23.400 --> 31:27.400] it on my co-hosts who weren't expecting this I'm going to ask you the same question
[31:27.960 --> 31:33.560] so Paige if you could swap lives with a celebrity for a day who would it be and what would you want
[31:33.560 --> 31:40.600] to do? I was not prepared for this I was thinking I was asking myself this same question not
[31:40.600 --> 31:47.880] realizing you were going to ask this I have two if that's okay I love music right like I love
[31:47.880 --> 31:53.160] singing and if and if I could be reborn again and do anything I would probably be a singer so
[31:53.160 --> 32:01.240] maybe Beyonce but not very realistic but in terms of more of a like a business perspective
[32:01.240 --> 32:07.880] and well-being probably Grace Beverly. Grace Beverly owns a fashion company Tala and she's
[32:07.880 --> 32:15.880] really champion championing sustainability she's championing female financial well-being and like
[32:15.880 --> 32:21.720] you know talking about some of the changes in government policy and increases in kind of
[32:21.720 --> 32:26.920] income to be certain categories of investors so it's all about sustainability and more fairness
[32:26.920 --> 32:31.640] I guess equality is the word I'm looking for for for women. Great thanks Paige and sorry Katie
[32:31.640 --> 32:36.440] I'm going to spring that one on you too is there a celebrity that you'd love to spend a day with?
[32:36.440 --> 32:43.480] Yeah I quickly just jumped on online to ask for a bit of help to choose someone and it came up
[32:43.480 --> 32:49.960] with a few names that I could have said but while I was doing that and listening to Paige I thought
[32:50.760 --> 32:59.160] it would be is it Emma Watson which is Hermione in Harry Potter? Yeah I think that she is a really
[32:59.160 --> 33:07.880] strong advocate she's a brilliant feminist and she doesn't tear down anyone else when she's
[33:07.880 --> 33:17.160] speaking on female empowerment she's also gorgeous a talented actress and a model and gets to do
[33:17.160 --> 33:24.600] glamorous photo shoots for perfume campaigns and things so I'm sure it'd be quite fun to be
[33:24.600 --> 33:31.720] in her shoes for a day. Fantastic really really good answers and also different but all so relevant
[33:31.720 --> 33:37.080] so thank you very much ladies so I think we've all found out a lot more about Charlotte and the
[33:37.080 --> 33:42.280] Society and College of Radiographers today and some further insights into the healthcare system
[33:42.280 --> 33:48.680] wellbeing and the workforce burnout. A big thank you to Charlotte for joining us today and to my
[33:48.680 --> 33:55.160] guest co-host Paige and Katie and thank you to all of our listeners. Join us next month when we will
[33:55.160 --> 34:00.680] be discussing the Axrem State of the Nation paper. If you have enjoyed today's podcast don't forget
[34:00.680 --> 34:06.920] to hit subscribe or feel free to share the podcast with friends.