The IBMS Long Term Biomedical Scientist Workforce Plan was launched at Congress.
It presents a bold strategy for the UK to develop the biomedical scientist workforce to operate at the highest levels of practice through training, experience and professional qualifications.
The launch comes after the publication and the commitments of the NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan. The IBMS plan aims to ensure that the biomedical scientist workforce will be featured and a key part of its successful delivery.
Speaking to a packed hall, IBMS Chief Executive David Wells talked through the plan and why it is needed.
He said: “Why is it important that we are making noise here? Why is it important that we challenge? It is important because, as we know, there’s a massive workforce shortage in the NHS. We can help to fill these gaps, but not in our current situation – we need more staff.”
The plan outlines how to support and upskill the biomedical scientist workforce in a manner that is safe, efficient and meets nationally recognised standards for the whole of the UK.
The key aims of the Long Term Biomedical Scientist Workforce Plan are to work with the UK governments to:
- introduce a registration training grant for departments to train individuals completing their IBMS Registration Training Portfolio.
- expand the number of training positions and enable more biomedical science graduates to become registered biomedical scientists and prevent an interruption in the pipeline of talent.
- ensure biomedical scientists are recognised as the key health service workforce in pathology and diagnostics, with IBMS qualifications as the primary route to its further development.
- enable support and cooperation from NHSE and UK governments to deliver the pledges set out throughout the plan.
Copies of the plan were handed out from the IBMS Stand at the Congress in Birmingham, but they are also available to download from the IBMS website.
To read the plan, visit bit.ly/463zuvs
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