Cancer patients 'deteriorating' due to staff shortages, radiologists warn

North and west Wales are among the areas worst affected by shortages in the UK, with a 42% shortfall in consultant radiologists compared to 22% in south Wales, according to data published in the Royal College of Radiologists' 2025 clinical radiology census.

Clara Day, executive medical director at Betsi Cadwaladr health board in north Wales, said she understood the figures "can be very worrying for patients", adding the health board was "actively recruiting" into both radiology and oncology - the department which handles cancer diagnoses and treatment.

"We are also strengthening our links with the North Wales Medical School to support future workforce development."