Addressing the Shortfall in Specialist Education and Training

Back to all Motions

Conference
2006 Health Care Service Group Conference
Date
21 December 2005
Decision
Carried

Conference notes with concern that the Professional and Technical workforce in the NHS faces a potential shortfall of staff over the next five years. This is especially the case in Cardiology, Biomedical Science, Operating Department Practice, Healthcare Engineers, Pharmacy and the Medical Technical area and is evidenced by ongoing and increasing recruitment problems.

Conference recognises that UNISON needs to work in partnership with the relevant national health departments and educational establishments in each country in order to:

* Ensure a common approach to specialist studies and qualifications;

* Help ongoing development of the Knowledge and Skills Frameworks of the

relevant posts;

* Increase awareness, particularly amongst school leavers, of these specialist

and technical professions; and the availability of dedicated education and

training provision.


Conference therefore calls on the Health Service Group Executive to

1. Make representations to Universities and Colleges of Further Education to

promote and encourage the availability of appropriate courses;

2. Encourage Branches to develop Training Officers and Learning Reps in these

areas (as called for in Motion 21 of Health Conference 2004).