International Women's Day is celebrated every year on 8 March in honour of women's contributions to society, 
This year’s theme is 'DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality'.
On International Women’s Day, Leighan Beesley, Digital Diagnostics System Lead for the Grater Manchester Imaging Network shares her thoughts on working in a digital role for the NHS.
Starting my career as a radiographer in the NHS has allowed me to see first hand the impact of innovation and technology on the healthcare sector. Radiography is a profession where patient care has a science focus and has been the perfect career to branch out into a digitally driven environment.
Being supported in my role through the NHS has allowed me to develop my digital skills and progress to lead on Greater Manchester wide digital initiatives. These initiatives will see improvements in the way we deliver patient care to provide faster scan results, so patients receive the right treatment quicker. It is also satisfying to know that digital initiatives being driven by the NHS are helping patients keep healthy and stay health.
Women make up 75% of the scientific, therapeutic and technical staff in the NHS workforce, so it’s a great place to unleash your inner ‘geek’ when it comes to being at the forefront of digital innovations. This demonstrates the advancements that have been made in the opportunities for women to perform and continue to contribute to the workforce.
There are also lots of specialisms within radiography and it is pivotal to the whole of healthcare. It is so varied and fast-moving there is never time to get bored! It covers a whole range from diagnosis by reporting X-rays and scans, to areas with greater patient contact including ultrasound. It is very high-tech and is permanently on the forefront of new digital technology which is exciting and stimulating.
Radiography is a technologically focused discipline with many techniques constantly advancing our practice and this rapid development of technology really enhances career satisfaction for radiographers.
The requirement for every aspect of imaging practice is increasing exponentially, which means you will always be in demand, and will continue to learn new things and develop professionally throughout your entire career.