Message from Dr Owen Driskell, HSST Training Programme Director
Welcome to the February Edition of the HSST Monthly Memo. A cold month so far for most of us but with signs of spring beginning to emerge. A continued decline in numbers of COVID cases and continually increasing numbers of vaccinations administered is encouraging news. Nonetheless it has been a tough time and ongoing demands at work have been huge. This is against a background of continued changes to what we can or need to do at home so please take care of yourselves and access the health and wellbeing options available if you feel they may be helpful. It’s OK to ask for help.
Please see below that we are reviewing the arrangements around the COVID interruptions. Any changes will still allow an interruption in time in the programme but the funding arrangements may need to change.
COVID interruptions for HSST
For almost the past 12 months, the School has been able to offer flexibility to interrupt training to reflect the impact of the pandemic and the call on some trainees to support clinical services.
The current model for funding the HSST interruptions due to COVID-19 is under review as this is unlikely to be sustainable longer term. Any new model will still permit an interruption in the programme and confer additional time due to a demonstrable impact of COVID-19. However, it may have implications for the funding associated with the HSST from HEE. Any changes will likely take effect from April 1st.
Further information will be released as soon as the impact of the past 12 months has been fully assessed.
Click here to find information about applications for interruption to training due to COVID (Expired link)
STP curriculum review open
Throughout February, we’ll be asking stakeholders for feedback on the drafts of the new curriculum content.
Currently open for review are:
- Reconstructive Science
- Clinical Bioinformatics – Physical Sciences
- Radiotherapy Physics
- Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Safety
- Nuclear Medicine
- Imaging Non-Ionising Radiation
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Haematology & Transfusion
- Clinical Immunology
- Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
- Urodynamic Science
- Clinical Bioinformatics Genomics
- Genomics
- Genomic Counselling
- Cancer Genomics
- Histopathology
We’ll be asking stakeholders to take a look at the curriculum and provide feedback through a survey. The whole process should take around an hour. Feedback will inform the final curricula and will help to shape the future of the Scientist Training Programme.
Click here to find out how your can provide your feedback for the STP curriculum review
Joint bursary scheme launched
Alongside the Faculty of Clinical Informatics (FCI) we are pleased to announce a joint venture to fund Faculty membership for healthcare scientists working in clinical informatics. To apply, please complete the FCI application form by midnight on 22nd March.
Click here to find out more about applying for the bursary scheme
Celebrating the pathology workforce
Lisa Ayers (HSST Training Programme Director) and Berne Ferry (Head of the School) have featured in the latest edition of ‘The Bulletin’, the quarterly newsletter published by the The Royal College of Pathologists.
The article provided an overview about the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme in pathology and was part of the newsletter’s section on celebrating the pathology workforce. Also featured were profiles of some HSST trainees, who talked candidly about what it is like juggling work and the programme.
Help with Academic deadlines
As a reminder, for the academic components the Universities – including the Alliance Manchester Business School – offer support options, but they can’t help if they don’t know. Please get in touch with them early and work with them to find the best solution for you.
For Section A issues you can use: PGDip@manchester.ac.uk. For any other issues contact your programme administrator or admin@mahse.co.uk.
Please remember any mitigating circumstances should be submitted, before any deadlines, so any potential arrangements required can be made in advance.
To apply, please complete the FCI application form by midnight on 22nd March.
Healthcare Science Week 2021
Healthcare Science Week is your chance to tell the local community and other health professionals first-hand about how science and technology are vital in modern patient care and changes lives for the better.
Healthcare Science Week 2021 will take place from the 5th – 14th March 2021.
Click here to find out what you can do during Healthcare Science Week
HSST applications open in February
We are delighted to announce that applications for the 2021 Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme open on Tuesday 16th February at 11am. Applications for in-service entry close on Monday 22nd March.
Click here to find out more about the 2021 application process