Setting an exciting future for the Healthcare Science workforce in Wales
The Healthcare Science Programme within Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) and the Healthcare Science Research and Innovation Group (HCS RIG) have developed the first 5 year strategy ‘Research and Innovation for Healthcare Science Professionals in NHS Wales’.
The strategy was informed by the healthcare science profession in Wales across all specialties, it aims to establish healthcare science professionals as recognised key contributors of research, innovation and in the transformation of clinical practice at a time that NHS Wales has increasing needs.
With more than thirty healthcare science professions, healthcare scientists play a significant role supporting patients including direct patient care and rehabilitation, provision of the majority of diagnostics, medical equipment management and in research and innovation. Healthcare science professionals are fundamental not only for the services they provide, but for bringing in new and integrated ways of providing care, using innovation and evidence to improve and change thereby improving patient care.
The strategy sets out a blueprint for the NHS Wales healthcare science workforce outlining the vision for increasing research and innovation in the profession, aligned with the priorities of Welsh Government in A Healthier Wales, the Diagnostics Recovery and Transformation Strategy for Wales and Healthcare Science in NHS Wales – Looking Forward Framework, underpinned by the Duty of Quality Statutory Guidance.
Dr Sarah Bant, Associate Director of Healthcare Science Workforce Transformation at HEIW said: “This strategy combines information resources, a review of the current research landscape for healthcare science professionals, and recommendations for developments to come. With useful information for all, this document will not only point the way forward, but already starts to enable the change needed as readers engage with the contents.”
Brogan Cabraal, seconded to HEIW as Healthcare Science Clinical Lead for Research and Innovation, led the development of the strategy, continued: “The release of this strategy today marks a significant and exciting moment for healthcare science professionals across Wales. It recognises our unique roles as scientists of healthcare and sets forth a future vision in research and innovation, nurturing our ability to undertake scientific enquiry for the betterment of our patients, our healthcare services and our communities in Wales.”
Professor Chris Hopkins, Chair of the Healthcare Science Research & Innovation Group (Wales) and President-Elect, Academy for Healthcare Science said: “Today’s launch of the Healthcare Science Research and Innovation Strategy in Wales marks a significant milestone in advancing health and well-being through cutting-edge science.
“By integrating research and innovation into everyday Healthcare Science practice, the strategy will drive innovation and transform scientific discovery into real-world benefits for our communities across Wales.”