News

22 Feb 2012World Congress of Biomedical Laboratory Science: abstract deadline reminder

World Congress of Biomedical Laboratory Science have issued a reminder that the deadline for submission of poster abstracts is fast approaching.

16 Feb 2012Biomedical Scientist needed for Wellcome Trust Small Arts Award application

Ed Stephenson Productions are looking for a Biomedical Scientist to help develop a theatre project around their particular Biomedical specialism or areas of interest. The project will form the basis of an application for a Wellcome Trust Small Arts Award.

10 Feb 2012Your stories: We want to hear from you!

The IBMS is looking for stories and case studies from members to include on the website and in other publications.

3 Feb 2012Celebrating IBMS Members past and present

To mark the centenary of the Institute of Biomedical Science we are calling on members to nominate past and present members of the Institute for our roll call of notable members from the last 100 years.

2 Feb 2012The National Laboratory Medicine Catalogue Open Peer Review

The National Laboratory Medicine Catalogue is the product of a partnership between the Royal College of Pathologists, Department of Health and NHS Connecting for Health.

2 Feb 2012HSJ Education Roundtable

Health Service Journal (HSJ) hosted a roundtable in January on the government's restructuring of the NHS education and training system.

31 Jan 2012Last chance for membership discount 2012

We just wanted to remind you that the deadline for the £5 discount finishes tomorrow (Wednesday 1 February) at 10:00 am.

23 Jan 2012Could you help lead the Institute as a member of Council?

Nominations for elections to Council will be invited in next month's issue of The Biomedical Scientist. Members are encouraged to consider NOW if they wish to stand and whom they might wish to nominate.

20 Jan 2012IBMS members awarded for innovation

Late last year three IBMS members received awards from the 2011 Annual Healthcare Science event organised by NES, Scottish Government and the Scottish Forum for Healthcare Science.

20 Jan 2012IBMS Centenary in Liverpool

On 6th January 2012, the exact centenary of the foundation of the Institute in 1912 was marked and celebrated by the Merseyside Branch.

19 Jan 2012National Pathology Year – Launch event 12 January 2012

The Institute’s President and Chief Executive were amongst almost 150 guests invited to the Royal College of Pathologists to launch National Pathology Year 2012. 

18 Jan 2012IFBLS: code of ethics for biomedical scientists

The IFBLS has recently updated their code of ethics which is endorsed by all member associations, including the Institute.

16 Jan 2012Academy for Healthcare Science recruiting non-executive directors

The Academy for Healthcare Science is recruiting three non-executive directors to sit on its new Management Board,

13 Jan 2012IBMS President speech at launch of National Pathology Year

Last night, Thursday 12 January, the Royal College of Pathology launched National Pathology Year. Derek Bishop, President of the IBMS was invited to deliver a speech to guests.

13 Jan 2012NHS Future Forum report

The NHS Future Forum has given its second set of reports to Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.

11 Jan 2012IBMS joins global pathology venture

Global Pathology is a joint collaboration between the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

6 Jan 2012New Year Message from IBMS President Derek Bishop

Firstly, Happy New Year. I  hope you had an enjoyable break. And for the many biomedical scientists who provided 24/7 cover over the festive period. Thank you!!!

21 Dec 2011Academy for Healthcare Science: Consultation for 'Good Scientific Practice'

The Academy for Healthcare Science wishes to invite healthcare professionals and their organisations to respond to a consultation on the adoption of 'Good Scientific Practice'.

20 Dec 2011IBMS sponsors SET for BRITAIN

On Monday 12 March 2012 the Institute is joining forces with the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee to stage SET for BRITAIN, an annual poster competition in the House of Commons Terrace Marquee.

7 Dec 2011IBMS President-Elect Derek Bishop in HSJ debate on pathology services

Derek Bishop, President-Elect of the Institute of Biomedical Science, recently took part in an online debate to discuss pathology services, organised by the Health Service Journal.

6 Dec 2011IBMS represented at International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science

Eddie Welsh, Vice-President of the Institute of Biomedical Science, recently represented the Institute at a meeting of the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science.

5 Dec 2011IBMS launches new corporate strategy

The IBMS has launched its new corporate strategy for 2012 – 2015.

29 Nov 2011IBMS undertakes member research

The IBMS has commissioned Research By Design, an independent market research company, to undertake a wide members' survey to help the Institute understand what members want and need as the healthcare profession undergoes change.

25 Nov 2011Update for IBMS newsletter subscribers

We are overhauling our newsletter and mailing list so that we can provide you with a new and improved IBMS newsletter service early next year.

25 Nov 2011SET for BRITAIN 2012

SET for BRITAIN: the annual poster competition and exhibition in the House of Commons Terrace Marquee.

22 Nov 2011Specialist Portfolio - A Reminder

A time limit of three years (with provision for mitigating circumstances) has been introduced for completion of the portfolio with effect from September 2011.

16 Nov 2011DVTA to host 30th World Congress: Berlin 2012

The DVTA (aka the German Association of Biomedical Scientists) are to host the IFBLS World Congress which is to be held in Berlin, Germany on 18th to 22nd August 2012.

9 Nov 2011New communication tools for chartered scientists

Earlier in the year the Science Council enlisted licenced bodies to survey the views of chartered scientists towards their registration. 

9 Nov 2011Final registration renewal reminders posted to biomedical scientists.

Biomedical scientists must renew their registration no later than 6pm Wednesday 30 November to prevent lapsing from the Register.

4 Nov 2011Develop roles in training and management

How to develop your training and management roles with the IBMS's certificates of expert practice.

13 Oct 2011Letters of Consequence: A History of the Institute of Biomedical Science

Several attempts have been made to chart the history of the development of the Institute over the past century, the most recent being Dr Derek Farr’s book Learn, that you may improve, published in the early 1980s. Now, a new history, Letters of Consequence: A History of the Institute of Biomedical Science, has been written by David Petts and Tony Harding, which will be published in time for the centenary celebrations.

10 Oct 2011Congress 2011 finished - dates for 2013

The Biomedical Science Congress 2011 has now finished. Thanks to all those that made it such a success. Please make a note if your diary for the next Congress which will take place on 23-25 September 2013.

4 Oct 2011Christine Outram appointed Senior Responsible Owner for Health Education England

Christine Outram has been appointed HEE SRO with immediate effect, combining the duties of this appointment with her role as Managing Director of Medical Education England.

3 Oct 2011NLMC Genetics Lead

The National Laboratory Medicine Catalogue has been established by a partnership between the Department of Health (England) and the RCPath, initially to harmonise the nomenclature and coding of laboratory tests throughout the NHS but ultimately to provide guidance on appropriate test use.

26 Sep 2011IBMS launches good professional practice consultation

The Institute of Biomedical Science has launched good professional practice consultation at Congress.

22 Sep 2011IBMS awarded pilot license by The Science Council

The Institute of Biomedical Science has been named by The Science Council as one of seven organisations that can now award professional qualifications to Registered Science Technicians and Registered Scientists.

21 Sep 2011Running for the British Heart Foundation - New York City Marathon 2011

On November 6th this year, IBMS Council Member Ian Sturdgess will again be taking part in the ING New York City Marathon hoping to raise as much money as he can for the British Heart Foundation as part of their Heartrunners running team.

13 Sep 201120% of UK workforce need science skills to do their jobs

New research undertaken for the Science Council shows that science has become increasingly important across all sectors of the UK economy and society with 5.8 million people now employed in science-based roles.

9 Sep 2011IBMS London Virology Discussion Group: Foundation Virology Course

The Foundation Virology Course, orchestrated by the IBMS London Virology Discussion Group, will commence in October and run until March 2012.

8 Sep 2011Biomedical scientists registration renewal

All registered biomedical scientists are currently being sent a registration renewal form and details of how to renew their registration by the Health Professions Council.

1 Sep 2011A message from the HPC: Have you moved?

The HPC would like to make it's registrants aware that notification of a change of address is essential for renewal. 

26 Aug 2011What is the future of pathology?

It has almost become a stock cliché to describe how pathology is undergoing considerable change. Here we look at how the IBMS’s forthcoming Congress in Birmingham will explore the future of pathology.

26 Aug 2011Innovation, technology and networking at the Exhibition

The exhibition plays a vital role in the total Congress experience, as it combines technology with networking.

15 Aug 2011Veterinary pathology: a call to meet

Members of the IBMS work predominately in a human healthcare setting; however, a significant number may also have roles in the non-human arena – veterinary pathology, pharmaceutical industry, academia or research.

5 Aug 2011Biomedical scientist wanted for Ethiopian MSc project

A new project set up by London and Leicester hospitals and based in Gondar, Ethiopia is looking for an experienced biomedical scientist to volunteer in the teaching of haematology in this region.

1 Aug 2011Senior Clinical Lectureship Awards

The Senior Clinical Lectureship Awards for Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals has now been extended to also include Healthcare Scientists.

24 Jul 2011Forum notice for blacklisted IPs: latest update

Latest update on users trying to post messages on the forum who are being blocked with IP address blacklisted error messages.

12 Jul 2011Certificates of practice in management and training

Information on the IBMS's online courses in management and training.

30 Jun 2011Institute Specialist Portfolio Assessors – we need you

If you would like to take on an active role in the development of biomedical scientists, or have the opportunity to visit other laboratories and create CPD opportunities for yourself this could be for you.

7 Jun 2011Specialist portfolios: latest information

The following comments have been compiled to assist in training for completion of the Specialist Portfolios and also ensure standard requirements are being met by both laboratory trainers and external assessors.

6 Jun 2011IBMS interactive masterclasses: training and management

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) is offering a new and exciting training experience for individuals who are looking for something that is directly relevant to their professional practice.

31 May 2011Guidance on access to health records for diagnostic staff

The National Information Governance Board for Health and Social Care has published guidance Access to Health Records by Diagnostic Staff - Guidance for Patients and Healthcare Professionals.

27 May 2011Consultation for donor guidelines

The IBMS along with a number of other professional bodies are developing guidelines for selection and HLA matching of related donors, adult unrelated donors, umbilical cord units for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

23 May 2011IBMS consultation: point of care testing

The IBMS has published a consultation review of its publication, Point of care testing: Guidance on the Involvement of the Clinical Laboratory.

21 May 2011Congress Plenary Session confirmed

Details of the Plenary Session at Congress 2011 have been confirmed by the IBMS.

20 May 2011IBMS at Cameron's keynote speech

David Cameron delivered a keynote speech to health staff and representatives from professional organisations at Ealing Hospital as he sought to regain momentum on the coalition government’s controversial plans to reform the NHS.

20 May 2011Department of clinical laboratory sciences wins award

Clinical Laboratory Sciences staff at Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are overjoyed to have received the Department of Health Chief Scientific Officer’s Award for Leadership.

17 May 2011Breakfast sessions at Congress 2011

The IBMS has released details of its multi-disciplinary breakfast sessions at the forthcoming Biomedical Science Congress.

5 May 2011Biomedical scientists Ghana appeal for lab equipment

A team of UK biomedical scientists are appealing for obsolete laboratory equipment in good working order to transport to a remote village hospital in Ghana, West Africa, in-order to help improve and develop healthcare facilities for the people of Nandom, and surrounding villages.

15 Apr 2011International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day

April 15th is International Biomedical Laboratory Science Day.

8 Apr 2011Big Bang 2011

The Big Bang 2011 took place at ICC London ExCeL from 10 – 12 March, where nearly 29,000 people attended.

8 Apr 2011The Advancing Healthcare Awards 2011

These awards will be presented a celebration lunch at the five star Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington central London with Jan Sobieraj (Director of Leadership, Department of Health), special guest author and audiological scientist SJ Watson, sponsors, finalists and guests from the many AHP and healthcare science professional associations.

1 Apr 2011IBMS publishes responses to NHS consultations

The IBMS has published its responses to consultations on Liberating the NHS - Developing the Workforce and Healthy Lives Healthy People.

1 Apr 2011The Biomedical Scientist: haematology article notice

If you have read the article on interactive haematology in April's The Biomedical Scientist please read this notice.

31 Mar 2011Leadership programme for senior pathologists

NHS East Midlands have announced that the Department of Health is offering a leadership development programme for senior pathologists to senior pathology staff in the East Midlands.

17 Mar 2011Put yourself on the Hidden Science map

www.hiddensciencemap.org is launched today to tempt all scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians to volunteer 10 minutes of their time to tell the world about the science they use everyday.

16 Mar 2011Chartered scientist renewal for members

The Institute would like to remind chartered scientists of the need to revalidate their registration.

8 Mar 2011Health Professions Council seeks two Council members

The Council is now seeking to appoint two professional (registrant) members to play a key role in setting the strategy and policy for the HPC and ensuring the HPC fulfills its statutory duties.  

22 Feb 2011Get involved, learn new skills: assessors wanted

The Institute is seeking members to become specialist portfolio assessors and help other biomedical scientists develop their careers.

15 Feb 2011Healthcare Science Week 2011

Healthcare Science Week 2011 will be held during National Science and Engineering week March 11-20th 2011.

15 Feb 2011Mass Spectrometry Mail Base

In recognition of the growing involvement of MS techniques in hospital laboratories, the British Mass Spectrometry Society (BMSS) has set up a clinical and forensic special interest group to try to cater to this growing sector.

11 Feb 2011Healthcare Scientist of the Year Awards 2011

SHA Senior Lead Scientists are co-ordinating the annual NHS Healthcare Science Awards.

10 Feb 2011I’m a Scientist, Get me out of Here! Needs you

I’m a Scientist is an award-winning science enrichment and engagement activity, funded by the Wellcome Trust.

9 Feb 2011Volunteer at The Big Bang: UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair

Attracting over 20,000 people, The Big Bang is the event of the year for young people in science and engineering, inspiring them and celebrating their achievements.

8 Feb 2011IBMS appoints Jill Rodney as new CEO

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) has announced the appointment of Jill Rodney as its new Chief Executive. Ms Rodney will commence her full-time role on 31 January 2011, and replaces Alan Potter who is retiring after 20 years as Chief Executive.

7 Feb 2011MSC: practitioner training programme

The Modernising Scientific Careers (MSC) programme has developed new BSc (Hons) curricula to support the delivery of the Healthcare Science Practitioner Training Programme (PTP).

27 Jan 2011IBMS Congress 2011: book online now

You can now book your place at Congress and pay by cheque or banker's draft, purchase order or the new online credit/debit card facility using Paypal.

11 Jan 2011Harmonisation of reference intervals

The Institute of Biomedical Science, Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Royal College of Pathologists are working together on the harmonisation of reference intervals.

10 Jan 2011Specialist portfolios: we need your help

Appeal for information to help develop a specialist portfolio in blood sciences.

8 Jan 2011Running for British Heart Foundation: success on the New York City Marathon 2010

IBMS Council member Ian Sturdgess on running for charity in New York.

7 Jan 2011Calling all IBMS reps and nominees

Notice for anyone on representing the Institute and/or the profession on any groups, advisory panels or committees

31 Dec 2010IBMS appoints new chief executive

The IBMS has announced the appointment of Jill Rodney as its new Chief Executive (CEO) to replace Alan Potter who is retiring after over 20 years sterling service to the Institute.

3 Dec 2010National Standard Methods

Information for subscribers to the secure National Standard Methods website

1 Dec 2010New recruitment scheme for healthcare scientists

The new scheme for recruitment into graduate entry level healthcare scientist training posts in England will start in January 2011 for the September 2011 intake of Scientist Training Programme (STP) trainees - part of the Modernising Scientific Careers programme.

30 Nov 2010National Standard Methods

Information for subscribers to the secure National Standard Methods website

22 Nov 2010IBMS membership discounts 2011

Information on membership discounts 2011; Congress discounts and tax relief.

15 Nov 2010Statement on Specialist Portfolios

The Institute’s Professional Examinations and Awards Committee is currently reviewing and updating the Specialist Portfolios and expects this work to be completed by the end of February 2011.

11 Nov 2010National Pathology Week 2010

Kevin Watson, Quality & Safety Manager at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, reports on another successful year for National Pathology Week.

8 Oct 2010Healthcare Scientists Doctoral Research Programme

Scientific and technological advances will change how and where scientists work in the future. To assess the potential changes and issues arising, the Human Resource Management Research Centre is supporting a doctoral research programme into the future needs and deployment of the workforce.

1 Oct 2010IBMS consultation: organising events

IBMS consultation: Guide to organising and promoting events in biomedical science

29 Sep 2010National Standard Methods: Continued

Three re-issued National Standard Method (BSOP 30, BSOP ID 16 and BSOP ID 22) are now available via the National Standard Methods website.

28 Sep 2010IBMS Congress 2011: Short Papers and Posters

If you've been working on something you think others would like to hear about, we want to hear from you.

20 Sep 2010National Standard Methods

Information for subscribers to the secure National Standard Methods website

8 Sep 2010Basic Virology Course

A course on the fundamental elements of Basic Virology will be hosted by the IBMS Virology Discussion Group at St. Mary's Hospital, London.

8 Sep 2010Introducing the CPD ePortfolio

The Institute has announced that the CPD ePortfolio is now available in the Members’ Area of the IBMS website.

7 Sep 2010Revised process for awarding the Certificate of Competence

The following changes have been made to the registration portfolio verification process and issue of a Certificate of Competence, arising from new Health Professions Council (HPC) requirements.

31 Aug 2010Autumn haematology courses

Haematology courses are being held at St Mary's in Hammersmith this autumn.

2 Aug 2010Parasitology education & training via e-learning

e-MEDICINimage is an European Union funded two year project created for a multilingual interactive electronic e-learning programme in Medical Parasitology and Medical Mycology for professionals (medical and allied health) who are involved routinely in these investigations in non-specialized clinical laboratories.

26 Jul 2010Health watchdogs 'are to be axed'

The Health Protection Agency that handles public health emergencies such as swine flu is to be axed under reforms, the government has confirmed.

13 Jul 2010Radical reform for NHS

The NHS White Paper, Equity and excellence: liberating the NHS, sets out the Government's long-term vision for the future of the NHS.  The vision builds on the core values and principles of the NHS - a comprehensive service, available to all, free at the point of use, based on need, not ability to pay.

13 Jul 2010Re-issued National Standard Methods

There are five re-issued National Standard Method papers which are now available via the National Standard Methods website.

2 Jul 2010National Institute for Health Research - Research Updates

As of this financial year, the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN) will be releasing quarterly metrics that detail the performance of research studies across England.

30 Jun 2010Replacement Cytology JBL Now Available

An additional Cytology JBL (assessment no. 070810) is now available for completion via the “Take JBL” page of the Members’ Area.

30 Jun 2010New IBMS members handbook

The IBMS has released the new members handbook for 2010 and 2011.

22 Jun 2010IBMS releases interim version of Good Professional Practice

The IBMS has released an interim version of its key document Good Professional Practice for Biomedical Scientist.

21 Jun 2010SHOT Symposium

It is only a short time to go until the SHOT Symposium on 6th July at the Lowry, Manchester.

16 Jun 2010National Standards Methods

Ten re-issued National Standard Method (BSOP TP 19, BSOP TP 21, BSOP TP 26, BSOP TP 27, BSOP TP 29, BSOP TP 32, BSOP TP 38, VSOP 13, VSOP 14 and VSOP 21) are now available via the National Standard Methods website.

15 Jun 2010Stepping out of the classroom into the NHS

Students focus on biomedical scientists’ role to win regional prize NHS Careers 2010 schools' competition

8 Jun 2010IBMS releases guidance on returning to practice

The IBMS has released guidance following the the HPC's publication of Returning to Practice.

24 May 2010Important information for membership application

Important information on the applying for IBMS membership

20 May 2010Statement regarding HDL-cholesterol

Statement from ACB and RCPath to all clinical biochemistry laboratories regarding HDL-cholesterol

12 May 2010Andrew Lansley appointed Health Minister

Andrew Lansley has been appointed Health Secretart in the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition.

29 Apr 2010Chartered scientist: not just for Fellows

IBMS Members and Fellows may both be eligible to apply for Chartered Scientist status.

27 Apr 2010Standing up for Science media workshop: a report

Voice of Young Science (VoYS) is a programme set up by the charity Sense about Science to encourage early career researchers to get involved in public debates about science.

26 Feb 2010New national career framework introduced for healthcare scientists

A new national career framework will give healthcare scientists clearer roles and career pathways, Health Minister Ann Keen announced today.