Towards world-class radiotherapy in the UK: time for transformation

The UK has a 15% shortfall of clinical oncologists and, by 2027, this shortfall is predicted to increase to 25%.10 For both therapeutic radiographers and medical-physics positions, the shortfall is approaching 10%.10 In the UK, about 150 000 radiotherapy treatment courses are delivered each year.10 Throughout the UK, 61 National Health Service (NHS) providers deliver treatment via a multidisciplinary workforce of around 6400 whole-time-equivalent positions.10 Radiotherapy is personalised to each patient, extremely cost-effective (around £3000–4000 per treatment course),10 and technologically advanced. The NHS provides an excellent environment for development of national coordination, data collection, establishment of protocols for implementation of innovations, and value-based assessment of new technologies that could enhance patient outcomes and streamline workforce operations. Radiotherapy research has the potential to attract international collaborations and investments, positively influence economic development, and enhance recruitment and retention of staff.