The number of brain MRI scans fell by 16 per cent while there were 24 per cent0 fewer chest x-rays performed and a drop of 29% in ultrasounds of the pelvis and abdomen.
Dr William Ramsden from the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has called for further investment into radiology training.
He said: The pause in non-elective NHS work during the coronavirus peak last spring had a huge knock-on impact on waits for scans and treatment.
‘NHS England has helped increase radiology capacity, coming through with emergency funding for scanners and private provider support, which must continue.’
Dr Ramsden said the RCR supported NHS plans to speed up scan access via diagnostic hubs but said thousands more radiologists were needed in order to ensure the changes could be implemented successfully and patients treated, scanned and diagnosed in a timely manner.