A Reminder of Why Clinical Engineers are Crucial to Modern Healthcare - Gill Collinson, IPEM CEO

I had the privilege of meeting Michael Mancuso, a hugely dedicated and inspiring Clinical Engineer.  Based at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Mike is Head of Anaesthetic & Theatre Technical Services and leads a team of clinical technologists within the Clinical Engineering department, overseeing the safe and effective management of vast quantities of medical equipment and systems in perioperative and critical care areas.  He is also a Senior Lecturer in Medical Engineering at UWE.

Mike’s role is both broad and deeply impactful. He and his team are responsible for everything from the calibration and repair of life‑sustaining devices to the implementation of new technologies, to mentoring the next generation of engineers and technicians. Within the Cambridge site, his department supports over 56,000 medical devices spanning diagnostics, therapy, monitoring, surgical equipment and more, all of which must operate reliably to ensure safe and timely patient care.

But Mike’s work isn’t just about keeping machines running, it’s about bridging the gap between advanced technology, clinical need and patient outcomes. He recalled real‑life scenarios - during a critical resuscitation event, the monitoring system failed and his team’s quick intervention with alternative equipment made a life‑saving difference. In theatres, when a laparoscopic system failed mid‑procedure, his team’s ability to troubleshoot and restore functionality meant the patient’s surgery continued safely and without delay.

Why the Numbers Matter

Clinical engineering is a highly skilled, technically complex, and essential part of modern healthcare. The numbers make this clear. At IPEM we know that:

• The UK’s Clinical Engineering workforce consists of approximately 3,000 FTE (Full Time Equivalent) scientific and technical posts, including Clinical Scientists, Clinical Technologists, Clinical and Medical Engineers, and Medical Technicians.
• 6% of these posts are currently vacant, creating significant pressure on an already stretched workforce.
• Only 28% of departments feel they have sufficient staff to provide safe and effective services. Recruitment remains a persistent challenge, and experienced clinical engineers are in short supply.
• Clinical Engineering departments support both hospital-based and community-based care, meaning they are central to implementing changes outlined in the NHS 10-year plan.

These statistics underscore just how critical the work of clinical engineers is.  If a device fails, or isn’t maintained, the clinical team cannot deliver. And when problems arise, the margin for error is minimal.

What Mike is Doing to Make a Difference

Mike is deeply involved in workforce development, mentoring apprentices and leading university‑based courses. He is a strong advocate for professional recognition and registration of clinical engineers, arguing that just as nurses, ODPs and other allied health professionals are registered and clearly defined, so should clinical engineers be fully recognised. He also leads initiatives to share knowledge and experiences across hospitals for collaborative technical support to other trusts.

Why We Should Celebrate Clinical Engineers

Clinical engineers like Mike are the driving force behind patient safety and technological excellence in the NHS. We rarely see the moments when their quick thinking prevents delay, when their technical skill restores a device, or when their proactive maintenance averts a serious patient safety incident. Yet their work is foundational. Safe, reliable medical technology underpins every diagnostic scan, every surgery, every life‑saving intervention.

So today, I want to celebrate Mike and all clinical engineers across the UK. Your dedication, your expertise, and your relentless commitment to safe technology for patient care make you a vital part of both IPEM’s mission and the NHS itself.

Gill Collinson, IPEM Chief Executive