Radiologists join call for NHS reforms to be axed A substantial majority of the Royal College of Radiologists' members who voted have called for the NHS reforms bill to be abandoned. Photograph: Martin Godwin for the Guardian The chorus of opposition to the coalition's NHS reforms has got louder, with the Royal College of Radiologists joining a growing list of medical bodies denouncing the health and social care bill. The professional body for experts in diagnostic imaging of disease and injury, which includes cancer specialists, called on ministers to withdraw their plans for a radical shake-up of the NHS in England following a survey of its 8,800 membership. The college said on Friday that a substantial majority - 76% of the 37% who voted - called for the bill to be abandoned rather than continue to press for amendments. Its announcement came a day after the British Medical Association warned that the government's reform programme would cause irreparable damage to the relationships between doctors and patients and would irreversibly harm the NHS. Jane Barrett, president of the Royal College of Radiologists, said: "The RCR has always had grave concerns about many aspects of the bill. We have sought, and, with others, attained many changes to the draft legislation. Despite those amendments, our concerns remain and we feel this move of position is necessary. The concerns include the lack of sufficient guarantees that there will be a system addressing "comprehensive and embedded health inequalities." The college fears that "unfettered" competition would mean an end to integrated care and also fears research, education and training would be badly hit. Barrett said: "Clinical radiology is at the hub of many areas of medical care, including cancer, stroke and trauma. Our clinical oncologist fellows and members are at the forefront in treating many cancers. It is essential that the Royal College of Radiologists continues to lead on the professional standards for the training and practice of clinical radiologists and clinical oncologists. Other key opponents of the bill include the Royal College of GPs, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives.