The hard work, dedication, professionalism and resilience of the nation’s military radiographers has been recognised by this year’s SoR Radiography Awards.
The UK’s military radiographers scooped the Society’s coveted UK Team of the Year 2008 Award after SoR member Carrie Kilbey – a senior ultrasonographer at Royal Hospital Haslar – decided it was time that radiographers in the British Forces were publicly recognised and honoured.
There are approximately 40 military radiographers working in the UK and abroad, and within the UK their patient base is predominantly the NHS.
Because the military team spans several regions and countries, the nomination was made through the south east region where the majority of Forces’ radiographers are based.
Carrie explains: “Military radiographers work alongside their NHS colleagues in a number of hospitals where they build on their training whilst offering the benefit of the experiences they have gained within the military.
“They work across the range of modalities and possess the post-graduate skills expected in a group of this size.
“In addition to their radiography skill-sets, they also have the military training required for their operational role.”
One of the reasons Carrie nominated this unique group was their intense workload under very difficult conditions.
She continues: “The current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have meant that radiographers of all three services have been providing an essential diagnostic service in austere environments where they are seeing massive trauma on a regular basis.
“They provide this service willingly in conditions which are frequently uncomfortable and often dangerous, and I feel that this shows the strength of the team spirit.
“The military radiographers do not expect recognition for the work they do, but I feel that winning this award is a good way of showing that their efforts and teamwork are appreciated.”
The SoR Radiography Awards are kindly sponsored by Fujifilm.
