Imaging in Developing Countries

Special Interest Group

Imaging in Developing Countries Special Interest Group (IDC-SIG) & Society of Radiographers (SoR) joint study day:

“Current Approaches to Supporting Radiography in Developing Countries”

held on 21st October 2006 at SCoR HQ, London

On 21st October 2006 the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) hosted a very successful study day organised jointly by the Imaging in Developing Countries Special Interest Group (IDC-SIG) and the Society of Radiographers (SoR).

The study day, entitled ‘Current Approaches to Supporting Radiography in Developing Countries’ attracted around 50 delegates, who had given up their Saturday and traveled from across the country to attend the event in order to share ideas on supporting radiography overseas.

The day was chaired by Hazel Harries-Jones (Immediate Past President of the SCoR), who opened proceedings by welcoming delegates and speakers.

The keynote speaker Dr Tyrone Goh, Immediate Past President of the International Society or Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) then gave a very interesting presentation on the current status of radiography in various Asian countries.

Dr Goh was followed by Lizzie Zukiewicz, former chief of radiography training in Namibia and a former VSO volunteer in Tanzania. Lizzie gave an overview of the difficulties and challenges encountered whilst working in African hospitals as well as pointing to some hopeful signs for the development of radiography on the continent.

After coffee the focus shifted to South America, and Dan Dennis, a radiographer at the Royal Liverpool Hospital gave a fascinating account of his experiences whilst working at a mission hospital in Ecuador. His presentation, which was at times both humorous and deeply moving, described how the hospital struggled to provide healthcare to a large impoverished population on a very meager budget.

Dr Sandy Yule, CEO/Secretary General of the ISRRT was next, with an interesting presentation describing the structure, work and future plans of his organisation.

The lunch break provided an ideal opportunity for delegates and speakers to informally share information and ideas, and it was evident from the noise level in the room that those present took the opportunity with both hands.

Eleanor Mitchell, a Senior Radiographer at Rotherham General Hospital opened the afternoon session by describing the visits she has made to a mission hospital in Northern Cameroon and her experiences in shipping them a second hand mobile x-ray unit. Delegates were able to learn a great deal about what (and what not) to do when shipping donated equipment.

Eleanor was followed by a report from the RASCO 2006 conference in Kenya, given by Indira Bhansali, Chair of MENSoR.

Next up were Gill Harrison, Ultrasound Programme Leader at City University and Alexandra Drought, Superintendent Ultrasonographer at West Middlesex University Hospital. Gill and Alex described their visit to two hospitals in Uganda as part of the BMUS Ultrasound Training Project. During their presentation they listed 20 lessons they had learnt from the experience, which would be incredibly useful to anyone else undertaking a similar visit.

The last presentation of the day was given by Ann Paris, Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the World Radiography Education Trust Fund (WRETF) who briefly described the trust fund and gave those present ideas on how they could support the fund or assist the applications of those who might be eligible to benefit from it.

An open floor session allowed Sue Carter and Genny Scarisbrick to give an update on their work in Ghana, Hilary Noakes to report on the setting up of a centrally held equipment wanted/needed list, Andy Creeden to update delegates on the progress of the IDC-SIG website and Kathy Priday to report on a new project to support radiography in Lesotho.

The day was closed by Ikenna Ubadigha, who led the audience in a rousing traditional Nigerian ‘thankyou’ to all the organisers, speakers and delegates who had together made the study day such a success. Given the level of support and interest shown during the day it is hoped that a similar event will be held in 2 years time.