Shaping the Future Role of Healthcare Science in the NHS

Shaping the future role of healthcare science in the NHS

I wanted to share an update from a recent NHS England workshop I attended with President Mark Knight, which which brought together colleagues from across healthcare science, professional bodies and NHS England to inform thinking on the implementation of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan.

The workshop focused on the role of healthcare science in supporting delivery of the Plan and continuing to improve patient care and experience. Discussions explored how healthcare science can best contribute to future service models, and how education and training may need to evolve to support a future-ready workforce, including consideration of greater flexibility in programmes such as STP.

The discussions provided a useful opportunity to take stock of how healthcare science is positioned within the wider system and how its contribution is understood at a national level. There was a shared view on the importance of continuing to strengthen professional identity, leadership and engagement with senior NHS decision-makers, building on the significant and growing impact of healthcare scientists across services.

The areas of focus discussed during the workshop closely align with IPEM’s expertise and strategic priorities, including:

• Prevention
• Innovation and technology
• Neighbourhood health
• Workforce
• Quality management and regulation
• Genomics, life sciences and research
  
  

These are all areas where IPEM members are already leading change and where there is scope to further shape policy, delivery and future direction.

Several consistent themes emerged during the workshop:

• The importance of healthcare scientists being recognised as leaders alongside their technical expertise
• The continued role of professional registration in supporting workforce development and public confidence
• The need to clearly articulate the value and impact of healthcare science in delivering safe, high-quality care
• The role of strong professional networks in sharing learning and accelerating improvement
• The opportunity to make more effective use of data already available across the system
• The need for education and training pathways, including STP and higher training routes, to remain adaptable to evolving technologies, service models and scope of practice
• The importance of actively supporting curiosity, enquiry and innovation across prevention, digital transformation and community-based care

An opportunity for IPEM and its members

As national thinking continues to develop, there is a clear opportunity for IPEM and its members to contribute insight, leadership and practical expertise. Over the coming months, we will share further updates and invite members’ views on:

• Where IPEM can most effectively focus its leadership and influence
• How we can best support members to engage
• How we continue to strengthen the visibility and leadership role of medical physics and clinical engineering within the NHS

This is an important moment to ensure our professions are well represented and that their contribution is fully recognised as plans for the future NHS continue to take shape.

I welcome your feedback and suggestions as we continue to strengthen how IPEM delivers on your behalf.

Gill Collinson, CEO IPEM