Abstract

This is a two stage project, initially funded by HERDA-SW then extended to be dually funded by HERDA-SW and the SW Strategic Health Authority. Stage one commenced April 2008 and was reported on 4th June 2008. Essentially this stage was a scoping exercise to determine the numbers, ages, grades and vacancies of staff involved in the education of the non-medical healthcare workforce across SW England. It involved the heads of department completing a bespoke questionnaire for each professional group. Stage two focused on the profession of Diagnostic Radiography, exploring in more depth the recruitment and retention issues. Once University research ethics approval had been gained, electronic questionnaires (n=5) were completed by Diagnostic Radiography academics. In addition we conducted interviews with heads of radiography departments (n=2) delivering programmes in the South West of England. The project is due for completion by 30th September 2008.