IBMS Chief Executive David Wells looks at the challenges and changes in the next 12 months.
A new year means fresh challenges and 2023 is going to be no exception for the biomedical science profession.
For the HCPC-registered biomedical scientists among us, it’s a renewals year, which means that we all have to make sure our CPD is up to date and covers the required standards.
The HCPC Standards of Proficiency have been updated, so we have to be versed with the changes and make sure our practice is aligned with them.
The new international standard for UKAS laboratory accreditation has launched just as I write this. The IBMS has been closely involved with the development of the revised standard and we are pleased with the adoption of a framework that allows for a greater risk-based approach to ensure patient safety and quality.
In the coming weeks, our Membership Committee and Council will decide how to best use the membership survey feedback to help shape the IBMS’ future actions. It’s a heady challenge and our elected officials have a lot to unpack to understand how to best serve your interests.
From the responses, it is clear that there is a lot of stress and exhaustion in healthcare laboratories right now. Our members are stretched professionally and financially, and they need support, recognition and services from us that they truly value.
I, for one, have always believed that we are better and stronger together and that the work of the many outlasts the work of the few. This is why I am sure the IBMS will find ways to help our membership weather this storm and put their careers in better standing going forward.
For those who are able to attend (do check our website for funded places and opportunities), there is going to be Congress 2023 to look forward to – the first time we have done two such large scale events in two consecutive years.
Congress is truly seen as “the” event in the pathology world – which is recognition of the content and our standing in the wider diagnostic community. It envisions and understands the true future of healthcare by demonstrating the value of our work and its vital position at the core of the service.
There are a lot of challenges in the year ahead and the IBMS will develop as many valuable tools as we can to help support our members. My challenge, and commitment, is to continue to promote all the excellent work in biomedical science and ensure that our profile continues to be raised at the highest levels.
David Wells Chief Executive