The Scottish government has launched a new strategy for healthcare science, 'Safe, accurate and effective: an action plan for healthcare science in NHS Scotland'
Labs Are Vital welcomes this action plan which again highlights the positive contribution of healthcare scientists to the NHS.
Labs Are Vital is a global initiative funded by Abbott Diagnostics and managed in the UK by a steering group comprising the Royal College of Pathologists, the Association of Clinical Pathologists, the Association for Clinical Biochemistry, the Institute of Biomedical Science, the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association and Abbott Diagnostics.
Despite being less visible than other health professionals, such as doctors and nurses, healthcare scientists are behind many of the diagnostic and treatment decisions that affect patients.
In her introduction to the report, Nicola Sturgeon, MSP, cabinet secretary for health and well-being, explained: "While healthcare scientists represent only around 5% of the total workforce in NHS Scotland, almost 80% of patient diagnosis can be attributed to their work.
"And healthcare scientists are contributing significantly to key policy initiative around Heat (health improvement, efficiency, access, and treatment) targets and reducing waiting times".
Graham Beastall, Labs Are Vital executive member and consultant clinical scientist at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, commented: "It is important that we raise the profile of laboratories and the high quality, safe and cost effective service they deliver.
"Laboratory medicine is at the heart of patient care and is delivering a superb service throughout the UK and beyond, and we would hope to see similar commitments in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland."
