Radiographer, Advanced Practice Candidate, University Hospital

Details of the Service

The proposed service will provide high-quality, efficient, and accessible non-obstetric ultrasound examinations across the health regions in Ireland, focused on the Advanced Practice Radiographer (APR) expanding their scope of practice enabling increased efficiency from Radiologists.

A pilot study conducted in 2023 investigated the comparability of Radiographer Sonographer and Radiologist Reporting. Of the 6,037 Ultrasound examinations included, over 99% of reports fell into acceptable range of Grade 1 (94%)

“Agree completely with the sonographers’ report” and Grade 2 (5%)” Minor discrepancy unlikely to alter patient care”.

Each region may host a minimum of one service location, ensuring comprehensive coverage and equitable access nationally.

Service Objective

The non-obstetric ultrasound service delivered by APRs has the potential to encompass a range of diagnostic imaging services, including but not limited to:

1. Abdominal Ultrasound

2. Gynaecological Ultrasound

3. Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

4. Vascular Ultrasound.

5. Thyroid and Neck Ultrasound.

6. Small Parts Ultrasound

7. Paediatric Ultrasound

Population and Service Need

• Urgent Imaging Delays: Only 34.3% of urgent outpatient ultrasounds are completed within 6 weeks, far below the 90% target.

• National Waiting List: Estimated 115,000 patients are awaiting ultrasound, including those from non-NIMIS Model 4 hospitals.

• Rising Demand: Radiology demand is projected to grow by 32% nationally by 2033, with the highest increases in Dublin regions.

• Ultrasound Capacity Gap: By 2028, ultrasound demand will exceed capacity by 26%, growing to a 36% shortfall by 2033.

Organisational Benefits

• Efficiency: Advanced Practice Radiographers (APRs) reduce radiologist workload by independently performing and reporting ultrasounds.

• Quality: Over 99% of APR reports meet acceptable standards, with 94% in full agreement with radiologist reviews.

• Cost-Effectiveness: International evidence shows APR-led services reduce costs and improve patient outcomes

Health Regions

Six Health Regions have been established within the HSE, on the basis of the geographical boundaries agreed by the Government in July 2019 and they will be operational from 2024.

Each Health Region will be tasked with population specific planning resourcing and delivery of health and social care services for the needs of its unique population. This will result in improved accountability and governance in terms of finance and performance, while also bringing decision-making closer to the frontline.

Health Regions will enable and empower staff to provide services that are:

• Integrated, locally planned and delivered

• Easier to access and navigate

• Available closer to home

Health Regions are geographically based units with clearly defined populations. They align community and hospital services within specific areas. The HSE will retain a strong but leaner central organisation, with more service provision developed at a local level.

The HSE South West health region will manage and deliver all public health and social care services in Cork and Kerry. HSE South West includes all hospital and community healthcare services in the region.

This includes:

• South / South West Hospital Group S/SWHG

• Cork Kerry Community Healthcare CKCH

• Midlands Louth Meath Community Health Organisation

• Community Healthcare Organisation Dublin North City and County

The Department of Population and Public Health is also now aligned with this health region

Services in the South West health region:

HSE Services working within this region include:

• Acute Hospitals

• Primary care services

• Community services

• Social care services

• Health and social care professionals

• Voluntary sector services

South / South West Hospital Group and Cork Kerry Community Healthcare will become part of HSE South West health region from 3rd March 2025 and the transition to the new structures will be taking place throughout 2025