Policy responses and statements
Background: Science and innovation are at the heart of high quality healthcare for patients and the public in the 21st century, underpinning the development and implementation of new, safe and effective diagnostics and treatments which have a major impact on health, wellbeing and on overall experience of the health and social care system. It is the healthcare scientist (HCS) workforce which makes the benefits of science and technology a reality for patients. This consultation document sets out proposals to transform the future training and career pathways of the healthcare science workforce. These proposals have been developed as the result of detailed discussions with nearly 3,000 stakeholders. This UK initiative will be taken forward by the four countries in partnership with all major stakeholders, including patient groups, to ensure that the healthcare science workforce is fit for the future in a rapidly changing and evolving healthcare environment. The document proposes clearer pathways into healthcare science careers defined through three distinct stages, with the ability to progress between them, subject to achievement of requisite entry requirements: Healthcare Science Assistant The Department of Health invited responses to the electronic consultation from all with an interest in delivering high quality care to patients, which is inextricably linked to the future of the healthcare science workforce, and its central role in supporting and delivering that care. Download this consultation response as a .pdf
Copies of this response are available from: Lesley Lockhart, Tel: 0131 225 7324 ext 608 [6 March 2009]
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