Workforce resourcing essential for screening programme

Workforce resourcing essential for screening programme

The Labour Party’s announcement of an extended national bowel screening programme is good news for patients and front line clinical staff, says Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS).

“Bowel cancer screening can undoubtedly save lives and we welcome plans to improve this important service,” he says.

“However, we can’t lose sight of the issues to do with workforce capacity within the health sector.”

“Hospital specialists and other health professionals are bearing the brunt of years of financial constraints and entrenched staff shortages, and report they are under more workload pressure than ever.

“Labour will need to ensure there are enough people in the appropriate places and roles within the sector if it is to make good on its election promise. Their phased approach is sensible.”

Senior doctors will certainly welcome opportunities like this to improve health services but they will also want to be sure that it will be resourced properly so it’s not just another thing they’re expected to do on top of their already over-stretched workloads.”

ENDS

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