IPEM sets out priorities for the new Government on healthcare science, engineering and innovation

IPEM welcomes the appointment of The Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP as Prime Minister, together with The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

As the new Government begins its work, IPEM looks forward to engaging constructively with ministers and officials to ensure that the contribution of medical physics, clinical engineering and clinical technology is recognised in delivering better patient outcomes, advancing research and innovation, and supporting the UK's economic growth.

IPEM represents medical physicists, clinical engineers and clinical technologists working across the NHS, academia, research organisations and industry. Together, these professions combine scientific, engineering and clinical expertise to develop, evaluate and safely implement technologies that underpin modern healthcare. From diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy to AI, digital health and medical devices, IPEM members make a vital contribution to innovation, patient care and the UK's health and life sciences ecosystem.

Gill Collinson, Chief Executive of IPEM, said:

"Medical physicists, clinical engineers and clinical technologists play an essential role in modern healthcare. Our members are helping to develop, evaluate and implement innovations that improve diagnosis, treatment and patient safety, while ensuring new technologies are introduced safely, effectively and for the benefit of patients.

"The UK has an outstanding reputation for scientific discovery, engineering excellence and health innovation. By investing in people, research and technology, we have an opportunity to strengthen our health service, support one of the UK's most important growth sectors and improve outcomes for patients.

"We look forward to working with ministers across health, business, science and innovation to ensure the expertise of our professions helps shape the future of healthcare and the wider life sciences and MedTech sectors."

IPEM will continue to champion the issues that matter most to its members and the communities they serve, including:

• Investing in a sustainable workforce for medical physics, clinical engineering and clinical technology through education, training and long-term workforce planning.
• Strengthening the UK's research, innovation and translation ecosystem by supporting collaboration between the NHS, universities, research organisations and industry.
• Recognising the strategic contribution of clinical engineering in supporting NHS productivity, patient safety, digital transformation and the safe adoption of emerging technologies.
• Backing science, engineering and innovation as key drivers of improved patient care, economic growth and the UK's global leadership in life sciences and medical technology.
• Ensuring AI and emerging healthcare technologies are implemented safely through robust professional standards, regulation and clinical expertise.

IPEM remains committed to providing an independent, evidence-based voice for the professions it represents, working with Government and partners across the health, research and innovation sectors to support policies that benefit patients, strengthen the workforce and enable the UK to remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation.