Maybe ARBEC has withered on the vine. That's the trouble with these "clubs":- everyone starts off all fired up, and then one by one they (find an excuse to) fall by the wayside, usually leaving one or two stalwarts to carry on unassisted.

But we don't know any website forums like that, though, do we?

Anyway Neil, I'm sure that we must have discussed the idea of an "Expat Biomed Association" before, you and I. But, unfortunately, I'm no longer an expat these days. And neither is our Old Mate, Tony Dowman (anyone remember Big Tony? - he used to get on here from time to time). And, I should add, many others who were "out there" at various times.

There again, there is (was) also the "Biomed Buddies" (ah yes, that's more like it). But these days I'm happy to consider joining someone else's club. It's a job for a younger man, all that "jollying folk along", you know. Thankfully, my own "leadership" days are well in the past now, and I was let down too many times to even think about having another go.

Never mind about Chris. He's harmless enough, and seems to enjoy the "cut and thrust" of debate ... which, in my opinion, is what this forum (and indeed, Biomed Clubs) is - or should be - all about! And, as far as I'm concerned, everyone is welcome.

Meanwhile, here's one that might let you in, Neil.

I imagine it would have to go through parliament first and since they mostly hang out in the bars all day, the VRCT would require a lot of beer and wine to push that through.

MPs have more pressing matters that they need to be attending to, I should imagine.

And, to be honest, I wish they would just get on with them! Many of the woes of Modern Britain could be put to rights in a single afternoon of Emergency Legislation, I reckon.

Getting back to Alan's original question:-

Yes I have renewed for a number of reasons, including the fact that my employer requires that I am a member.

Before you all go on about this being wrong and that the scheme being voluntary think about it this way:-

I knew at the time of my application that this was a requirement and I chose (volunteered) to continue because I wished to work for them as a respected employer.

I Have signed up again BAA!

I've renewed too!

Does anybody know of an "official" appropriate training scheme? It is all very well having a registration scheme but when (if) it becomes compulsory you will have to do approved training to get on it. I hear that the Government cuts have meant that the group planning this is now disbanded so the scheme is only partially completed. Assuming it follows the Clinical Scientist/Engineer pattern there will have to be "approvedŁ degree courses, anyone know of any of these? I know there are very few in the Medical Physics technologists side of things but I know of none in the EBME/Biomed/Clinical Technologist area.
Is the scheme actually dead in the water?
RoJo

Voluntary?


Yes. As it was from the beginning.

The whole issue of VRCT comes under the principles of MSC, or Modernising Scientific Careers, MSC for short. The main objectives of this programme are:

The MSC programme:

• ensures that healthcare science meets future service needs by ensuring that scientific and technical advances are integrated into emerging models of integrated care

• creates clear career pathways and education & training programmes in a common framework for the whole of the scientific workforce at all levels of practice, while recognising the particular training needs of each specialism.

• brings education & training into line with that of other healthcare professionals

• ensures appropriate equivalence structures to take into account an individual’s previous skills, education and training

• provides an improved approach to workforce planning and development of an appropriate skill mix with tools to support the planning and commissioning of scientific services

• The modular approach gives more flexibility for individual scientists and the service, improving patient care by allowing a quicker response to innovations and a better
ability to meet local need

• introduces sustainable funding arrangements that are fit for purpose and offer value for money

• is based on professional engagement and consultation. The programme has held a series of discussion, consultation and deliberative events across the UK since 2008, engaging a wide range of partners including professional bodies and representatives of the healthcare science workforce.

• provides greater opportunities for clinical leadership through relevant training


See the links below:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Chiefprofessionalofficers/Chiefscientificofficer/DH_086661

http://www.ipem.org.uk/ipem_public/article.asp?aid=4334&id=

But it is the MSC programme that has been cut off in its prime leaving the training of technologists half done.
RoJo