Will provide enhanced career opportunities for scientists in the NHS to deliver better services for patients, recognising the increasing importance of specialist scientific services
On Monday 14 November 2005, to mark the start of Healthcare Science Week, Norman Warner, UK minister of state for NHS Delivery, officially launched the new Healthcare Scientists Career Framework and presented the Department of Health chief scientific officer's awards for 2005.
The Healthcare Scientists Career Framework will provide enhanced career opportunities for scientists in the NHS to work in new ways to deliver better services for patients, recognising the increasing importance of specialist scientific services, and research and development.
In addition, the framework will support widening access to professional careers in science and a potential pathway to the top for everyone.
As well as the Healthcare Scientist and Young Healthcare Scientist of the Year Awards, three other awards were presented, acknowledging the innovations made by healthcare scientists across three important areas.
Children with cerebral palsy, the critically ill in intensive care, and people with diabetes are just some of the patients that have benefited as a result of the ingenuity and innovation of healthcare scientists in the NHS, as recognised in these awards.
Sue Hill, chief scientific officer, Department of Health, opened the event.
She said: "Bringing together a number of initiatives that show there is an exciting career in science in the NHS, and that highlight the amazing work that scientists do for patients and the public every day of their working lives, is a fitting way to start the week".
