I believe that this thread points the way to yet another model for any "New Gang" (see other current threads), especially if we are to consider the "Noble Tech" idea:-

Run by Biomeds, For Biomeds

There is a largely untapped pool of experienced biomed techs "out there" who would most likely be happy to put a few days each week. All it needs (they need) is a bit of organization!

I also believe that "outsourcing" is a cost-effective way for hospital biomed departments to clear the work. And these "part-timers" and/or "short-term contractors" (whatever) are almost always pretty flexible about putting in the hours, working out of normal hours - or indeed anything else that may be required. When considering the way the NHS is operated these days - that is, by a fair number of more-or-less autonomous medium-sized "businesses" (aka Trusts), I believe that using short-term biomeds ("outsourcing") from time to time may well become commonplace.

Slightly off-topic, but in similar vein:- if I was an Equipment Manager (OK - just imagine) thinking about bringing in "a company" to provide biomedical engineering services, I would look for one that can provide the whole package - including training. That narrows it down considerably - in fact only one comes immediately to mind. And in case anyone is wondering, "they" haven't put me up to this comment, and neither do I work for "them". I just like to give credit where it's due.

Just a couple of thoughts to add to the mix, as it were. smile