Scotland’s leading AHP university helps develop new education and workforce policy for the future

Scotland’s Chief Allied Health Professions (AHP) Officer Professor Carolyn McDonald has thanked staff in the School of Health and Life Sciences for their “hard work” and input into a new education and workforce policy review.

The School’s Dean Professor Anita Simmers, Vice-Dean Professor Helen Gallagher, Senior Lecturer in Podiatry Dr Ruth Barn, and Reader in Musculoskeletal Health Dr David Hamilton were involved.

As the largest provider AHP education programmes in Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University played a huge role in the newly published Allied Health Professions - education and workforce policy review: recommendations.

Professor Gallagher explained the significance of this review: “As the largest Scottish provider of pre-registration AHP programmes, it was really important for us to contribute to this large-scale review.

“The recommendations are set to transform the educational pathways for pre and post-registration students by opening up new and flexible ‘earn and learn’ training routes which will seek to widen access into these highly rewarding careers and will help to reduce the critical workforce shortages.

“There is also a heavy emphasis on attracting more people to these professions and incentivising our experienced clinicians to stay in service and develop their skills. Going forward HEI’s have a vital role in responding to these recommendations and we are excited and eager to take up the challenge.”

Professor McDonald said in a thank you letter to Professor Simmers: “I would like to express my gratitude to all involved for your hard work in order to reach this milestone. Scottish Government officials are now working on an implementation plan which you will all be sighted on and there will be opportunity for further collaboration.”

Professor Simmers was a member of the main National Strategic Oversight Group. She also chaired the subgroup on Research, Innovation and Relationships. Dr Barn and Dr Hamilton contributed to this subgroup. Professor Simmers was also a member of the Workforce and Recruitment subgroup and Professor Gallagher was a member of the Education Solutions and Advancing Practice subgroups.

Professor Gallagher added: “The allied health professions are highly skilled practitioners who play a crucial role in a patient’s journey, from diagnosis, to treatment and rehabilitation and improving quality of life.

“The School of Health and Life Sciences produces the largest number of high-quality graduates in Diagnostic Imaging, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Orthoptics, Paramedicine, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Radiotherapy and Oncology.

“We also deliver a suite of post-graduate programmes in Advanced Practice available to all AHP disciplines to support the existing workforce to continue to develop the skills and attributes to become specialist, advanced and consultant practitioners against the four pillars of Leadership, Education, Clinical Skills and Research.

“Through this further education, AHPs continue to extend the scope of their practices which helps to alleviate strain on services previously the domain of medics.

“It has been a great experience to work collaboratively with so many varied stakeholders with a shared commitment to AHP education provision and respond to the health service workforce challenges to ensure we are continuing to meet the current and future health needs of the people of Scotland.”