BSIR Nurses & Radiographers News
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One very early Monday morning train ride, and with the sun shining on Birmingham, Claire E & Jessica arrived at Austin Court for the BSIR Paediatric IR event.
Whilst the event has been running for a few years, it was the first time that either of us had attended the event. It was also an opportunity to forge better relationships between the BSIR special interest groups, as many Nurses and Radiographers were in attendance.
The day itself provided a variety of talks from both National and International perspectives. From hybrid imaging departments and feeding tube services, to ethical considerations and Radiologist's favourite devices. Outside of lectures delegates could speak with industry partners about their latest devices or discover the latest research taking place across the country, by looking at poster presentations. There was even an opportunity for registrars to ask direct questions to paediatric consultants in the Trainee's corner.
It was not all play and no work though, for Claire and I as it was the perfect time for us to interact with the Nurses and Radiographers to see how we can better support them as a committee. We also helped to facilitate the Nurse and Radiographer breakout session with our fellow paediatric specialists Robyn & Barochia. This session was well attended and enabled delegates to discuss the topics pertinent to them; such as room optimisation, distraction techniques and how to help paediatric patients transition into adult services.
All in all, it was a good day and it was great to see the amazing work taking place across our paediatric specialist hospitals. Hopefully we will see some familiar faces at the BSIR ASM in November, but please get in touch with the committee if you need our support or have any suggestions for topics at next year's paediatric IR event.
On 7th March 2026 the third BSIR Nurses and Radiographers Spring CPD event was held at the Crowne Plaza in Newcastle. As the sun shone through the mist across the Tyne, we knew we’d be in for a good day.
Following a busy registration period, led by our wonderful Julie (BSIR Governance and membership director), our delegates were ready for a day packed full of presentations and industry workshops. However, after a few last minute changes, and the imagination of our wonderful committee members, our delegates would start the day in a unique way – IR Bingo! Our lovely BSIRNR Chair, Claire Elwood guided the group through the activity, along with Claire Maxim and Jessica Cutri. It provided the opportunity to ease people into the day, have some fun and learn a few new things about their fellow delegates.
Once the laughter had ended, our local presenter Ben Stenberg spoke to us about his role as a consultant sonographer and how he became involved in IR. His career demonstrates what can be achieved with some hard work, determination and the right conversations. It was certainly inspiring. He then passed over to Helen Bucknell, an Advanced Clinical Practitioner from St George’s – London, to explain how everyone can work towards the 4 pillars of clinical practice no matter what level of experience you have. Her talk clearly demonstrated how an everyday task can actually reflect the 4 pillars and shows that you don’t always need to do something extraordinary to achieve it. Finally, we heard from Melanie Clarkson, a senior lecture from Sheffield Hallam University on the importance of wellbeing and how we can try to avoid burnout in the workplace. It is important for us all to recognise the signs as it can impact on everything we do; our work, our hobbies and more importantly our relationships with friends and family.
After hearing from our wonderful speakers and sipping a hot cup of tea, it was time for our industry partners to take to the floor by hosting their interactive workshops. This year’s event saw 7 different companies participate, covering a wide variety of products from radial access, to ablation and even sustainable procedure packs, to name a few. It’s safe to say that our delegates had definitely learnt a lot and needed a few extra tea and cakes for the trip home.
Whilst the event was a success and the BSIRNR committee appreciate the time that everyone took to attend on a Saturday, we could not have done it without the help and support of our partners Fiona and Steve from Terumo Interventional Systems. They have partnered with us on this event for the last 3 years; organising venues, supporting the BSIR and making the event a great success. Thank you to you both, we truly appreciate it. A massive thank you also goes to all our industry partners; Argon Medical devices, BVM Medical, HC21 healthcare group, Inari now part of Stryker, Kimal and Molnlycke for hosting the workshops and finally a big thank you to our delegates that attended on the day. We hope to see more of you at the next Spring CPD event in 2027.
BSIRNR Past Chair Mrs Kayleigh Hizzett publishes research exploring employer expectations for the interventional imaging workforce, analysing radiology and cardiology job advertisements across England and Wales. Members can read below.
The BSIR Nurses & Radiographers Special Interest Committee submitted a formal consultation response in October 2025 to "Proposals to extend medicines responsibilities for paramedics, physiotherapists, operating department practitioners and diagnostic radiographers”. You can read the full response below.
The second BSIR Nurses and Radiographers Spring CPD event was held at Austin’s Court in Birmingham in March. The sun was shining to welcome the nurses and radiographers to this event which had 26 delegates attend.
After a cup of coffee, a pastry and the formal introductions, the event had four speakers. The first speaker was our very own Chair, Kay Hizzett talking about enhanced and advanced practice and the importance of education. Following Kay’s well received talk Helen Estall, Consultant Radiographer from University Hospitals Leicester spoke about Leadership within the four pillars of practice and Helen Watts Advanced Clinical Practitioner from South Tees spoke about managing difficult conversations. Both speakers gave enlightening talks and received positive feedback. The final talk was from myself (Claire Elwood, Incoming chair) on using the Kawa model for professional development. All talks gave the delegates plenty to reflect upon and create their own rivers!
After a short break the rest of the day was spent rotating round various workshops provided by our industry colleagues. This offered an opportunity for radiographers and nurses to get their hands on an assortment of different equipment and talk to the representatives.
The feedback from the delegates following this event was extremely positive and many felt well worth travelling from as far as Scotland and Wales. All attendees would be interested in attending similar events and found the content of the day useful, especially enjoying the interactive workshops.
This day would not have been possible without the support and organisation of Terumo Interventional Systems, with a special mention to Fiona, Steve and Pete. Kay has also been an integral part of making this day possible and seeing the event grow. We also need to thank our additional industry supporters; Argon Medical Devices, BD, Burlington Medical, BVM and Vygon and Nazia from Society of Anaesthesia and Radiology.
Read an interview with Kayleigh Hizzett, current BSIRNR Chair, in conversation with the Society of Radiographers.
'The best part for me is the variety of people'
British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR)
The Royal College of Radiologists
63 Lincoln’s Inn Fields
London WC2A 3JW