RADIOGRAPHERS HOLD CONFERENCE IN CITY

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29021, 9 October 1959, Page 2

RADIOGRAPHERS HOLD CONFERENCE IN CITY

Christchurch woman radiographers are playing; leading roles in the organisation of the first conference of the New Zealand Society of Radiographers meeting this week in the city. Miss J. F. Borrie, who is charge radiographer of the X-ray department in the Christchurch Hospital is president of the Christchurch branch of the society and is chairman of the conference proceedings. Miss M. W. Wornall, who is in the radio-therapy department at the Christchurch Hospital, is secretary of the local branch and is acting as conference secretary.

About 50 per cent, of the delegates attending are women several of whom are presenting paners at the conference

There were two separate ways of qualifying as a recognised radiographer in New Zealand. Miss Wornall said yesterday. One was by examination set by the British Society of Radiographers. London: the other was by examination set by the Australian Conjoint Board of Radiographers. Although there had been annual conferences of radiographers in New Zealand for many years this was the first held by the New Zealand society formed last year to unite those trained under both systems. Two Fields There were two fields of work in radiography—diagnostic and therapeutic. Miss Wornall said Diagnostic radiography involved positioning the patient and taking X-ray pictures of the body for diagnosis. A therapeutic radiographer’s job was to treat patients’ diseases with X-ray. The training period for both courses was three years at hospitals in the main centres of New Zealand. Important subjects included in the courses were anatomy, physiology, radiographic photography. radiographic technique and instruction on the construction of X-ray apparatus.

There was confusion too in the lay mind about the difference between a radiographer and a radiologist, Miss Wornall said. A radiologist was a qualified medical person who had specialised in radiography. He interpreted the work of the radiographer and prescribed treatment. There were few radiographers practising privately compared with the many employed in hospitals, for radiographers would normally need to be teamed with a radiologist. » Career For Women There were about 250 radiographers throughout New Zealand, she said. About half were women and delegates at the present conference were from as far apart as Invercargill and Kaitaia. Quite a few radiographers were trained nurses who had chosen to

specialise in radiography. The educational standard for those interested in the career was School Certificate. It was helpful to have an interest in science and mathematics. and. of course, in the relief of human suffering. Both Miss Wornall and Miss Borrie are qualified in the two branches of radiology.

The examination papers of the British society, which were sent from London, are returned there for marking, but final oral and practical examinations are conducted in Wellington by radiologists and radio-therapy specialists.

Miss Wornall said that protection for radiographers in New Zealand was of the highest order. In diagnostic radiography a lead screen protected the operator and in therapeutic departments radiographers worked from outside the room which houses the X-ray plant. Furthermore, regular blood counts are taken to protect the health of the radiographer and there are regular checks on the amount of exposure to radiation by means of special films in technicians’ clothing. As well as the arrangements for the business sections, the women have done all the catering for the conference themselves with Mrs W. Pritchard in charge of refreshments. Last evening delegates were entertained at a cocktail party at Elizabeth House, given by a photographic company. before a social and dance given by the host branch.