The UK is facing a critical shortage of healthcare scientists, engineers, and technologists in the field of medical physics and clinical engineering (MPCE). The Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) has highlighted this workforce shortfall and the challenges it poses in delivering safe and effective services that underpin the NHS. Urgent action is needed to address this issue and ensure the continued provision of essential healthcare services.
The IPEM has issued a statement outlining specific measures to combat the workforce challenges. It emphasises the need for increased funding and expansion of MPCE training posts to attract and train new recruits. Additionally, the statement calls for the inclusion of specific role titles on the National Shortage Occupation List and the urgent addition of Clinical Engineers as an eligible occupation for the Health and Care Worker Visa.
Dr Robert Farley, President of IPEM, stresses the importance of swift action, stating that without intervention, the decline in the MPCE workforce will have a significant impact on patient care, leading to potential delays in diagnoses, unsafe equipment, and longer waiting lists for treatments.
The MPCE workforce, often referred to as a “hidden” workforce, plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety and quality of care. Clinical Scientists, engineers, and technologists work closely with doctors and radiographers to address potential hazards, including radiation, and contribute to over 45% of all patient treatments within NHS hospitals. They deliver radiotherapy treatments, ensure the safety and quality of medical imaging, and maintain and operate specialised equipment used in diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Anna Barnes, President-Elect of IPEM, emphasises the critical role of the MPCE workforce in supporting the effective running of the NHS. Their expertise and dedication are essential for diagnostics, process improvement, and the utilisation of evolving technologies in patient care.
The IPEM’s Workforce Intelligence Unit (WIU) has consistently monitored staffing levels within the MPCE workforce and identified established shortfalls. The lack of training capacity and difficulties in meeting statutory requirements for Medical Physics Experts have further exacerbated the workforce challenges. The reliance on overseas staff recruitment reflects the failure to adequately plan and develop the workforce from within the UK.
The ageing population and increasing healthcare demands make it imperative to address the MPCE workforce shortage through long-term funding and support. Without an adequate number of scientists and technologists, the ability of the NHS to deliver safe diagnostics and timely treatments will be severely impacted.
Matt Dunn, Vice-President for Medical Physics at IPEM, highlights the consequences for patients, stressing that addressing the shortage is crucial to ensure the NHS can meet the growing demand for healthcare services as the population ages.
Swift and comprehensive action is necessary to address the shortage in the medical physics and clinical engineering workforce and safeguard the delivery of safe and effective healthcare services in the UK.
