Meet the team working behind the image and helping shape next generation of NI radiographers

A Northern Ireland radiographer is helping to inspire the next generation of medics working behind the image to play a crucial role in a patient’s journey.

Chris Smyth is a radiographer and a practice educator within the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. Chris qualified as a radiographer over six years ago and started working in the Ulster Hospital in 2018, where he was based for four years specialising in MRI.

Chris then left to work in the private sector for two years, before returning to the Trust as a radiography practice educator to help shape the next generation of radiographers.

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The Trust is marking World Radiography Day and International Radiology Day this Friday, 8th November, by shining a light on the crucial role that radiographers and radiologists play in a patient’s journey.

In the past year alone, an incredible 318,837 imaging procedures were carried out across the Trust, demonstrating the central role these services play in healthcare.

Nine out of ten patients who come into hospital will need some form of imaging, carried out by skilled radiographers. These images are then examined by radiologists, who use them to diagnose patients’ conditions and illnesses, informing the best course of treatment.

Together, radiography and radiology are vital components of the patient pathway, supporting both primary and secondary care. Radiographers within the Trust can specialise in a wide range of areas, including CT, MRI, Mammography and Ultrasound Imaging.

Chris explained: “My role as a radiographer is to provide diagnostic images of high quality that enable Radiologists to make accurate diagnoses. The Radiology Department is a busy environment, with large numbers of patients attending for imaging procedures.

“We use radiation, so it is very important that we make sure that all our patients are safe and only exposed to the correct and minimum amount of radiation necessary to maintain their safety.”

Chris also reflects on the rewarding nature of his work: “I love working with all the modernised equipment, meeting a variety of patients throughout their hospital journey and working alongside a range of colleagues. I specialise in MRI and really enjoy working in this area.

“For anyone thinking of radiography as a career option, there is a lot of scope after leaving university and good opportunities to progress into a variety of different areas. I would definitely recommend it!”

Dr Michele Crawford-Jefferson, a consultant radiologist with the Trust since 2016, highlighted the significance of radiology in the diagnostic pathway: “As a radiologist, we play a crucial role in diagnosing conditions across all specialties in the hospital. One of the best parts of my job is that I get to interact with all the specialties including clinicians and nursing staff.

“My sub-specialty within radiology is in cardio-thoracic imaging, which I find very interesting, as it allows us to diagnose disease, guide treatment decisions and track patient progress. This not only prevents unnecessary procedures, but helps tailor the best care plan for each individual.”

Dr Crawford-Jefferson added: “We have a wonderful radiology and radiography team here in the South Eastern Trust. Our skilled radiographers are essential to keeping our department running smoothly.

”As technology continues to advance, I’m excited for the future of radiology and the enhanced care it will bring to patients.”

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