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Modalities and the role of the West Midlands Imaging Network

Our Pathway and Modalities Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are essential in driving transformative change within the West Midlands. By collaborating with experts from each organisation, we aim to shift from reactive, localised service development to proactive, network-wide management and planning. We will also support our services in implementing the 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance.
These strategic initiatives aim to enhance the relevance and impact of our work within each clinical SIG, ensuring a cohesive and proactive approach to healthcare delivery in the West Midlands. We will prioritise work that:

  • Addresses inequalities
  • Improves productivity, such as avoiding duplication or reducing low-value activity
  • Supports the digital transformation programme


Each SIG is led by experts from our network, comprising multidisciplinary members from each of our organisations. Each group will work towards a common target operating model, based on three key principles, but adapted to their own challenges. These principles are:

MRI SIG

The group was set up in late 2023 and have co-produced Cauda Equina Syndrome network guidance alongside the West Midlands Spinal network. They are working on establishing standardised protocols for bone tumours and mets. And will also be involved in the conversations around the region’s move to GP Direct Access

  • Standardising MRI Safety documents
  • Sharing learning from incidents
  • Improving access for patients with pacemakers and other implants

Work Programme Highlights:

  • Deliver the network’s first MRI Regional Scientific Meeting
Publications

Minimum Service Standards for MRI Physics Contracts v1 – November 2024

Audit of MRI Safety Screening Forms in the West Midlands – July 2024

Terms of Reference

Chair: Karen Norman, MRI Clinical Lead Radiographer, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHST

Deputy: Vacant

Ultrasound SIG

Work Programme Highlights:

The US SIG was set up in Autumn 2024 and the group are working alongside the West Midlands Cancer Alliance in order to support implementation of an amendment to the existing post-menopausal bleeding pathway. The group has a list of priorities to work through which stems from the 2024 NHSE regional ultrasound symposium that the west midlands executive board has agreed to.

  • Develop a standardised streamlined approach to vetting against BMUS with improved quality of referrals
  • Sharing best practice between departments through development of case studies
Terms of Reference

Chair: Nicki Davidson, Lead Sonographer, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Deputy: Vacant

Nuclear Medicine SIG

This group is commenced in June 2025. Initial plans are to undertake a survey to understand the service provision across the region. This will help the group to develop a programme of work and target resources.

Work Programme Highlights – TBC

Terms of Reference

Chair: Joe Burmiston, Principle Physicist, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust

Deputy: Dr Riddhika Chakravartty, Consultant Radiologist, The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust

Next Steps

As the groups become established there will be opportunities for staff across the Network to get involved in individual projects and task and finish groups led by the SIG members. If you are interested in hearing more about these groups and to get involved please contact us: dgft.wmimagingnetwork@nhs.net

More information on our Pathways Special Interest Groups can be found here

Network Clinical Guidelines can be found here

To find out more about our clinical strategy click here

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