Healthcare science: strategic approach

The Chief Scientific Officer for Scotland

Science and the scientific workforce are critical to the delivery of an effective healthcare service. In Scotland, our scientific workforce is uniquely placed to use their skills across a range of areas to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

I am delighted to see the publication of this paper, which will act as the anchor to all of our future work within healthcare science in Scotland.

The strategic approach set out in this paper has been shaped by our workforce, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank colleagues across the country who took the time to share their views about healthcare science in Scotland.

Central to our future work will be supporting the development of the profession, whilst improving the visibility of the healthcare science workforce and more clearly articulating the valuable contribution they can make to the planning and delivery of services.

This work will position us to best meet the challenges of a complex financial landscape, alongside an increasing demand for services and difficulties in recruitment. Against such a background, it is absolutely critical to take this opportunity to realise the potential of healthcare science as we look at how we re-shape our NHS in Scotland so that it is fit for the future.

Professor Catherine Ross

Chief Scientific Officer – Scottish Government