EBME Forums Forums Free discussion Free discussion IPEM - the best organisation to represent technicians?

Unfortunately, for some, just being a good technician who can fix things doesn't mean you don't have to demonstrate that you are good and continue to develop other skills as well.

I agree that you are often required to learn new skills, and often skills that you would prefer not to have to exercise, if you wish to either maintain your position or indeed advance it, but does this require the cumbersome apparatus of an institute, or just some hunger for self development.

As for demonstrating you are good at your core function, I am not sure I understand your drift. Sureley if you are doing your job well, that is demonstration enough.

I was thinking more about the evidence that might be useful when individuals move between jobs, for example.

I understand, but that must be a problem for all engineers in any profession unless you are in a job where you submit technical papers. Or, are you suggesting that an institution gives a means of achieving public recognition, in which case I can't argue with that.

Darren

Is bionet@hotmail.co.uk accessible for all? How do you get access to it to see what is being discussed etc.?

Regards

I think the idea is for you to mail Lindsay, then I suppose your email details go on a "contacts list" (that's also, conveniently, an indicator of how much interest there is in setting up an "alternative" site for "like-minded individuals", I guess).

Solid gold for organisations with "commercially-biased interests" that are looking to accrue contacts in biomedical engineering that're "like-minded" and "sympathetic to the cause" whatever that might be.

Information on a "underground network", irrespective of whether it's overtly commercial like EBME.co.uk, or not, is of no benefit to the community at large at all so it'll probably only benefit a "self-serving" community.

It's never going to be possible to have a setup of "likeminded individuals" that agree on everything unless you exclude the "riff-raff" who have differing points of view.

Hello Lindsay

The Clinical Engineering Network site is now in development, thanks to popular demand and will exist for the benefit of its members, however, no one will be excluded.
Will its activities be open and benefit the community at large ?, we certainly hope so.
For organisations with commercial interests, it has indeed proved very successful, in addition, it has provided many EBME techs with far better career prospects and provided a credible vehicle for those wishing to bid for outsourced maintenance contracts etc, including those in the community at large.
However, its not just about commercial aspects, most require help and support in other forms, legal, educational,technical, practical or even moral support.
We just think that if a person needs help, wants to discuss a problem or idea, wants to contribute, he or she should be able to discuss it without ridicule or having his thoughts or situation ripped to bits.
So yes Lindsay, in the first instance, please mail bionet@hotmail.co.uk, let us hear from you, have your kick of the ball so to speak and we will get back to you with the network site details.

Darren

Another go at the “Band of Brothers”, then, Darren? Good luck then, Mate. As Richard’s post seems to suggest, you’ll have your work cut-out!

I dont think so Geoff, we just think the best organisation to represent technicians are the technicians themselves and if we are making progress by networking irrespective of if we work in the NHS, a PLC, belong to this band, that group, the dark or light side, it doesnt matter, it should only concern those showing interest.
As clinical engineering folk from all walks have decided they want to access the network, lets just see what happens as it grows.

Darren

I’m on your side, Darren, believe me. But I do wonder if there are not too many gangs already? Why not convince John, Huw et al to develop this very forum into the sort of thing you have in mind (... how about it guys)? Why re-invent (duplicate) the wheel?