Last month, issues, including radiology’s leaky and asbestos-riddled building, lengthy MRI waiting lists and difficulties recruiting suitable staff, resulted in the Dunedin service losing IANZ accreditation.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists plays no part in accreditation decisions, but it works closely with IANZ — a Crown audit entity — to set practice standards radiology departments should meet.
"RANZCR’s top priority at all times is the health and well-being of New Zealand patients," college president Lance Lawler said.
"RANZCR notes that the SDHB has stated it is working to address the issues raised by IANZ and would strongly encourage them to do so."
Dunedin Hospital’s radiology department can continue to operate despite losing accreditation, but a pass grade in an IANZ audit is required for the SDHB to be able to claim ACC revenue for scans performed at radiology.
The SDHB said earlier this week it was about to "comprehensively address" longstanding issues in the clinical services building, which houses radiology.
It must also address issues with radiology’s computer systems and MRI waiting lists before applying for reaccreditation -something the SDHB expects to do in June.
The Otago Daily Times reported earlier this month some patients faced waits of up to nine months for MRI scans.
Compounding the issue is IANZ’s assessment that New Zealand is "critically short" of radiology staff, making it difficult for the SDHB to find suitable people.
Coincidentally, RANZCR this week launched a recruiting drive seeking first-year clinical radiology and radiation oncology trainees.
Dr Lawler said there were 8.9 radiologists per 100,000 people in New Zealand.
"RANZCR will continue to work with relevant parties such as Health Workforce New Zealand to ensure the demand and distribution of radiologists is met going forward," he said.
"Diagnostic imaging is a hugely important part of modern health care, playing a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment and support of a range of diverse medical conditions ... RANZCR maintains there will always be a need for highly skilled radiologists."
