Great Western Hospitals opens new ultrasound training facility to support future diagnostic workforce

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has officially opened a new ultrasound training facility in Swindon, helping to develop the next generation of sonographers and strengthen diagnostic services across the south west.

The new Swindon Ultrasound Spoke, developed in partnership with the South West Imaging Training Academy (SWITA), was officially opened on 6 October 2026 and will provide high-quality education and training opportunities for trainee sonographers and radiology resident doctors from across the region.

Led by Practice Educator Dawn McCafferty, the facility offers dedicated one-to-one support, hands-on clinical training and focused learning opportunities in ultrasound. The new spoke aims to enhance trainee experience while increasing regional capacity for developing skilled imaging professionals.

Sonography is one of the most in-demand areas within diagnostic services, with workforce shortages continuing to be felt nationally. The new training facility represents a significant investment in workforce development and will help increase training capacity while supporting high-quality patient care.

Alan Tidy, Deputy Divisional Director for the Division of Medicine at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Sonography remains one of the biggest workforce challenges facing diagnostic services, both locally and nationally. If we are going to meet the needs of our patients in the future, we need to invest not only in equipment and facilities, but in developing the next generation of our workforce.

"This training facility is much more than an additional space. It is an investment in education, workforce development and collaboration across the south west. It gives us the opportunity to train more sonographers locally, support our existing staff and ultimately improve access to diagnostics for our patients."

Rachael Hilton, SWITA Co-Clinical Director, added: "It has been a pleasure to work collaboratively with Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in establishing the Ultrasound Spoke. The inclusion of GWH brings the total number of ultrasound hubs and spokes across the South West to five, further strengthening regional capacity for the education and training of sonographers and radiology resident doctors.

"This development represents an important milestone in enhancing access to dedicated training facilities, enabling trainees to develop their confidence, competence and clinical expertise within a supportive learning environment. The expansion of the hub-and-spoke model plays a vital role in supporting workforce development, helping to ensure a sustainable and highly skilled diagnostic imaging workforce capable of meeting current and future healthcare demands."