Imaging practice educators

The impact of imaging practice educators: a trust case study

Published on March 1, 2026

The demand for imaging services continues to grow year on year, with current radiography training programmes unable to keep abreast of health service demand for the workforce. National drivers indicate a trajectory for further increases in imaging.

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan1 advocates increased focus on training, retaining and reforming. In South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw (SYB), we have seen the employment of supernumerary practice educators (PEs) as key facilitators to this. Their impact has demonstrated innovative training models, leading to improved staff morale, a reduction in training times and improved patient services.

Case presentation

Increasing demand for imaging services responding to national guidance1-3 and changing health needs place imaging departments under intense pressure. This is compounded by workforce shortfalls and the need to support increased training numbers4, 5 whilst supporting the ongoing training, development and wellbeing of existing staff.

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