DIAGNOSTIC WORKFORCE

Description

NHS England and Improvement has set up a national Diagnostics Programme Board to coordinate implementation of the Richards' report (Diagnostics: Recovery and Renewal - Report of the Independent Review of Diagnostic Services for NHS England) in response to the NHS Long Term Plan. Diagnostic activity forms part of over 85% of clinical pathways and the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the centrality of diagnostics to the NHS' ability to deliver patient services. Diagnostics capacity has emerged as one of the main enablers for restoring patient services as part of the recovery. Highlighted in the NHS Long Term Plan, diagnostics is also central to delivery of many of the key clinical commitments, from improving cancer diagnosis and treatment to early detection and prevention of heart attacks and strokes. Investment in growing the diagnostic workforce is an essential enabler to delivering the report. Equally important is adopting innovative ways of making the best use of our current workforce, as well as implementing new staffing models and use of digital tools to support optimal use of the skills and experience of our diverse workforce. The Physiological Measurement Pillar, co-chaired by Dr Martin Allen (NHS England/Improvement) and Professor Berne Ferry (Health Education England), working with stakeholders from the NHS workforce and professional bodies, has reviewed current and future workforce requirements and developed and secured funding for new programmes and courses to quickly grow the workforce ensuring quality of training and education to deliver the right people with the right skills to deliver the aims of the Richards' review and NHS Long Term plan. The National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) are seeking higher academic institutions to deliver the 12-month academic content of the Graduate Diploma in Respiratory Science and Post Graduate Certificate in Sleep Medicine. This procurement is broken down into two Lots, one for the Graduate Diploma in Respiratory Science and one for the Post Graduate Certificate in Sleep Medicine. Providers are not limited, as they can submit applications for both Lots. To be successful in application, there needs to be clear demonstration of being able to deliver the programme(s) and commence intake of students in September/October 2023. The recruitment of students will be managed by the NSHCS. Further details and the tender documents can be download from the link below. https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome