School announces 1,000 NHS Departments achieve accreditation to deliver healthcare science training across the UK

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone of healthcare science training in the NHS as over 1,000 departments have now achieved accreditation to deliver top-quality training programmes across healthcare science. The departments are accredited to deliver training for our Scientist Training Programme (STP), Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) Programme and Echocardiography Training Programme (ETP).

The accreditation process involves an extensive evaluation of each department’s previous experience of delivering training, knowledge of the specialty curriculum, training plans – including knowing who will take on the training roles and lead responsibility for the trainee, and policies – including on fitness to practise, public and patient involvement equality, diversity and inclusion, whistleblowing. Through this comprehensive assessment the accredited departments have demonstrated their dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

Elizabeth Plumb, Head of Accreditation at the National School of Healthcare Science said:

We commend the dedicated efforts of the accredited departments, whose commitment to excellence and desire to increase numbers in the healthcare science workforce has made this milestone possible. Their hard work and passion for providing high-quality training opportunities will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of the healthcare science workforce.

I also want to recognise the support of the healthcare science community and thank all those that volunteer their time to work with us on reviewing submissions and attending accreditation visits, without their hard work and valuable time we would not have achieved this momentous moment.

For more information on the accredited departments and the accreditation process, please visit https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/services/accreditation/ or contact nshcs@hee.nhs.uk