IPEM understands that the Government’s decision to abolish NHS England is a bold step that will cause uncertainty about potential impacts on the Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering profession.
We will need to wait for the details of how the move of NHS England functions into the Department of Health and Social Care will be implemented, but it is anticipated to take two years to complete. Our members can be assured that IPEM will be actively advocating for our professions to ensure that workforce issues, including education and training, are delivered as effectively as possible to address the critical challenges and opportunities facing the MPCE workforce. For example, it is essential that there is no disruption to the flow of funding to MPCE departments that is currently managed by NHS England. Indeed, IPEM believes that some of the savings that the Government is aiming to make from this reorganisation should be invested into additional recruitment, education and training across Healthcare Science and, specifically, in Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering. This will support delivery of the Government’s three strategic shifts.
IPEM recently responded to the review of the National School of Healthcare Science and supports its continued existence. We will be carefully monitoring any developments in this area.
IPEM has a strong relationship with the Office of the Chief Scientific Officer for England and we are reassured that the Secretary of State told Parliament that he believes clinical decisions at a strategic level should continue to be made by clinicians. It is important that there is appropriate regulation for public protection, but that this does not prevent innovation from flourishing and scientists are an essential pool of expertise in this.
Whilst these are changes to the NHS in England, as a body representing highly skilled professionals right across the UK, we are also mindful of any knock on effects on services in the devolved administrations and hope that four nation working can be enhanced.
