Radiologist shortage in Australia leaves BreastScreen SA looking for outside help

A shortage of radiologists across Australia has pressured BreastScreen SA, part of a national breast screening program, to look for outside help, according to reporting from The Advertiser

BreastScreen SA typically sends results to patients within an average of 10 days; however, with the shortage, results are sent between 13- and 15-days post screening.

“We are currently recruiting additional radiologists to support our screening program but, while this process is underway, we are seeking additional resources from within the public and private sectors, while also offering extra hours to current staff,” said Jane Burden, BreastScreen SA general manager.

Internal calls to other directors within the SA Medical Imaging system have been made, though there hasn’t been much progress in recruiting radiologists due to emergency department overcrowding and general pressure on the system.

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As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.

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