EBME Forums Forums Management Professional Issues VRCT - Who's Re-Newed?

Geoff as the new owner I would be happy to negotiate a price!

Regards

Jim

Congratulations, Jim!

I believe that the real question here is what would you have paid if someone else (like me, for instance) had bought it? Or even, how much should I ask for pointing it out?


That's very kind of you, Jim. If I were a younger man, or just starting out, I would join in the fun ... but there's no mileage in it for me personally now. And I just don't have the time to participate, anyway. As always, I remain an interested outsider, looking in.

Meanwhile, I've just heard the term "analysis paralysis". It would seem to succinctly sum up what's going on here on this thread. I would urge all concerned (and as I have said recently) to "just get on with it". Let's see some results!

But ... has Billy paid his subs yet?

I'll donate ten quid if they actually find the Higgs boson.

Geoff,

This is a link to the exact page Jim was referring to Practitioner Training Programme . Hope all the dark side members sign up!

Looks like a load of baboon speak to me, Mate.

Meanwhile, the Lords of Darkness much prefer to take blokes able to "hit the ground running", and certainly don't have either the time or the money to have people away on courses half the time.

Interesting read.....
Though frankly I don't think we will be overwhelmed with new applicants to the Medical Engineering trade post December 31st looking at the proposed entry requirements.
Considerable obstacles to be overcome for a Band 4 post.
Irrespective of whatever job title we choose, the educational benchmark for entry may have risen, but the prospect of attracting new blood decreases when faced with the limited opportunities for appointment or progression in the foreseeable future.

As has been pointed out, we are in danger of becoming a closed shop.

To tell the truth I agree with Jim on the philosophy of the VRCT, it is just the way that it is a Voluntary label that is being forced onto some in the country. ie Bullied into it.

The problem I have with it is as I have stated before the cost, not today but in a few years time when it is compulsary and the fat cats have got their claws in. Just like the RCN registration has gone in the last few years and we complain about the thieveing bankers.

The other problem is the interpertation of training. If a training plan was produced encompassing the training needs of the basic embe/medphysics body and modules added for other things then great. This has to also be taken with the need for manufacturer courses and not what I have seen in some areas with one person trained and everyone using their books. Not the safest practice but you all know it happens. Whos the blame going to land with.

What we do not want with this is the closed shop mentality that I have seen. Oh you dont have a medical qualification so you aint coming in.

As with everything there is always the pros and cons and the choice should be with the individuals until a clear agenda is shown.

The Modernising Scientific careers literature is probably the most poorly written literature, certainly not going to get an award for clear english.

Although Bill, it certainly won't effect dark side members as this is a NHS only scheme. Although I've heard it's one thing that held back the VRCT so perhaps it will indirectly as the VRCT will have to adjust around it and some private sector companies copy the NHS's pay structure.

As for the Lords of Darkness Geoff, I must admit over the years in comparision you have become the standard of excellence, with some in the private sector being a good advert for regulation.

The Acid Test!

For those who don't feel the need to be registered on the VRCT (which is all we have available) even when they have both qualifications and years of experience, I would ask them to undertake the following.

Having repaired a piece of vital life support equipment, return it back to the Clinical users such as a senior nurse or Anaesthetist. Engage in conversation, make mention of the fact that there is a national register for biomeds but you don't feel the need to be registered. Seek their support for your stance.

I suspect that most clinicians would have assumed that the likes of us that care for vital equipment would already be registered and regulated.

It may have taken us 2 decades to get to this point, but now we should push on and make the move to a medical profession. It's not going to be easy, but it will be worthwhile for patients, the NHS and us in the long term.

If you want to become a medic, Mate ... go right ahead and (re)train.

Meanwhile, those of us who are happy enough to remain as mere fixers of kit will simply carry on ... as engineering technicians.