Our NHS, Our Future: the contribution of healthcare scientists
23 January 2008. Richmond House, London
The meeting was hosted by Professor Sue Hill and the audience consisted of senior representatives of the various professions and representatives (mainly the chairmen of the Clinical Pathway groups) from SHAs across England.
There were two sessions:
- Setting the Healthcare Scientist context within Darzi’s 8 clinical pathway groups
- Working with the SHAs.
Lord Darzi lead an open discussion for about 15 minutes.
The key messages were
- Lord Darzi’s review of the NHS services from the cradle to the grave have resulted in the identification of 8 patient-centred Clinical Pathways
- The project aims to change delivery based upon best evidence and working to the principles of Equality, Personalisation, Quality and Safety.
- The national review will indicate the direction of travel, providing one of the “enablers” for change
- Implementation will be local, perhaps driven by the local SHA but definitely commissioned by the local PCT Commissioning Groups
- People/scientists are one of the enablers
- Today’s meeting and other associated working groups are important in getting the contributions of healthcare scientists (HCSs) recognised
- From the reports from the SHAs at the meeting, it was clear that there has been variable input from HCSs and that there is a need for the chairs of local clinical pathway working groups to consult with HCSs to enable implementation.
- The Chief Scientific Officer has prepared a lengthy document outlining some areas that Life Sciences (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine), Physiological Sciences and Physical Sciences & Engineering can contribute to the 8 Care Pathways. This will be circulated to SHAs for distribution to PCTs etc but will need explanation and summary by HCSs for their local commissioning group
- Funding will be channelled through the PCT commissioners and it is therefore important to get HCSs working with them.
- It is vital that HCSs get involved in the commissioning of the care pathways
- Lord Darzi is happy to hear from individuals regarding enabling the care pathways.
Meeting notes by Don Henderson |
