Responding to today's Labour pledge to double the number of CT and MRI scanners in hospitals in England, Dr Vishal Sharma, chair of the BMA consultants committee, said:
 
“It is good to hear plans to address the NHS’s crippling equipment shortages and outdated IT. Doctors know that we have too few scanners, and in many hospitals those that we have are old, slow and frequently break down.
 
“And anyone who works in the NHS, or even knows anyone who does, will know that we have too few computers to work from and those that we have are outdated and sluggish, wasting thousands of hours across the health service.
 
“Funding to address these deficiencies is well overdue and a welcome promise from Labour. However, our key limiting factor is lack of staff and scanners alone won’t compensate for a deficit of fully trained doctors, radiographers and other NHS staff needed to use them. We still wait to hear Labour’s plans to improve doctors’ terms and conditions and address their concerns that have led to the current industrial disputes.”

Ends

 

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives. 

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