NHS NW Healthcare science networkHelen Liggett - NHS NW HCS workforce lead

Drivers for creating a NW HCS network

• Diversity of workforce – 7000+ scientists across 48+ specialisms in NW

• To modernise workforce - education and training• To ensure all services are patient focused• To raise profile of hcs - source of expertise• To ensure workforce planning for hcs was integrated with other staff

groups• To tackle recruitment and retention issues• Introduce a stronger regulatory framework• To widen access to CPD• To open communication channels locally / regionally / nationally• Develop leaders and champions

NW Model

• Chief executives in every Trust and PCT nominated a HCS representative

• Each representative created a local HCS network within their organisation - all grades of staff

• Each representative fed into SHA local issues• SHA workforce lead fed into Chief Scientific Officer at

DH • Professional networks have representation• HEI representation• Non NHS links – STEMNET – HCS ambassador scheme• Network flexible to reflect changing NHS

Network achievements

• Implementation of national drivers - Modernising scientific careers made easier by engagement through network – MSC OVERSIGHT BOARD

• Robust communication systems in place to all hcs specialisms - website www.nwhcs.nhs.uk

• Strongest hcs network in UK• Strong links with DH as source of expertise• Successfully increased funding for clinical scientist training• Bespoke leadership training scheme and hcs leadership school now under

development – entered team for HSJ leadership challenge• Ring fenced CPD funding for HCS at 4 NW universities• Share best practice and working multi-professionally• Links to AHP network and Pharmacy network• 3 divisional workforce groups to represent Life sciences / Physical

sciences / Physiological sciences that give education commissioning advice• Healthcare science ambassador scheme with STEMNET• Links to strategic groups in NHS NW

Implementing Modernising Scientific Careers

• 3 NW divisional education commissioning and workforce groups to cover Life sciences / Physiological sciences / Physical sciences and Engineering

(Local Action plans)• Created NW MSC oversight board from regional hcs

networks / feeds into MSC SHA lead and DH MSC team (NW Implementation strategy)

• Link to key strategic groups in NW• HCS website to communicate • Regular updates and events = transparency

Governance – Organisational Chart

SHA

NW MSC Oversight Board

National MSC Team

Department of Health

Regional HCS Networks:•Greater Manchester Pat Zukowskyj•Cumbria & Lancashire John Lord•Cheshire & Mersey Angela Douglas

Divisional HCS Workforce Groups:

•Life Sciences

•Clinical Physiology

•Clinical Engineering & Physical Sciences

Healthcare Science Service Providers

Healthcare Science Academic Providers

Strategic

Operational - Regional

Operational – Local

North West

Creating your Healthcare Science network

• Lead scientist in each organisation to represent local multi-professional network – develop as leaders

• Regular meetings at first – virtual later• Yearly network meeting • Understand your hcs workforce / colleagues• Communication strategy• Opportunity to get voice heard locally, regionally and nationally• Receive information from DH direct / and inform DH of local issues• Introduce your network to key individuals locally / regionally /

nationally• Promote your services – HCS are amazing so tell everyone !• Make outside connections – STEMNET• Healthcare Science week 2012 – GET INVOLVED!• Make network structure future proof

Leadership Development

• Pilot in West Midlands • Programme in NW 2009 / 25 senior hcs• 8 days over 8 months with a service improvement project• Programme to run again Spring 2012 for another cohort• Developed HCS leadership school as part of the NW emerging

clinical leaders network – annual programme of events• Organisational Lead Scientists• “Buddy Scheme” for STP trainees• Link to NHS NW Leadership Academy• CLN Real programme

Science and Society

• HCS week - NSEW• Big Bang Fair• STEMNET HCS Ambassadors scheme• National Media Centre• Extraordinary You project• NHS Careers• Classroom Medics – Science Council HCS project

The Future….

• Network needs to be flexible and robust• Motivated HCS to lead • Structure will reflect new NHS structure• Link to CCGs and raise profile of Scientific Services• Regional Lead Scientists to raise profile and lead on

Innovation Implementation• Continue to network outside boundaries

Contact details

• NHS NW HEALTHCARE SCIENCE WEBSITE

www.nwhcs.nhs.uk

• Helen.liggett@salford.nhs.uk

NHS NW Healthcare Science workforce lead

0161 212 6041