IBMS in Scotland AGM and Scientific meeting 2017

On the 18 November in Glasgow, the Scottish branch of the IBMS held their AGM and scientific meeting.

Present at the meeting was IBMS member Dr Paula McDonald, who participated in a debate at the AGM. In her own words, she shared with us the events of the day:

“There were 68 attendees from across a range of backgrounds and parts of Scotland – even an attendee from Barrow in Furness. Attendees ranged from students undertaking Biomedical Science degrees to experienced laboratory managers and lecturers.

David Wilson, Chair IBMS in Scotland, welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for giving up their day for what he hoped would be a thought-provoking day of speakers. He outlined the programme for the day and how appropriate it was to concentrate on ‘Change is the only Constant’ within biomedical and healthcare science given the demands of accreditation to ISO 15189, the changing landscape of shared services and regionalisation and emerging technologies.

Ian Sturdgess, President of the IBMS, thanked the Region for inviting him to the meeting. As Chair of the first session he introduced Allan Wilson. Allan is Scottish Pathology Network (SPAN) Scientific Manager and is the Pathology Laboratory Manager at Monklands Hospital, NHS Lanarkshire. Allan gave a detailed presentation, Changing roles of Biomedical Scientists, describing advanced practice for Biomedical Scientists, drivers for the change in role, challenges, opportunities and the future all underpinned with case studies from Biomedical Scientists in the process of extending their practice. 

Ian Sturdgess introduced the next two speakers who were to debate the proposition that Accreditation: Added value for laboratories. Proposing the argument was Eric Martindale, retired Microbiology Laboratory Manager at NHS greater Glasgow and Clyde, who continues work as a UKAS Technical Assessor. Opposing the argument was Dr Paula McDonald, Quality Manager for Blood Sciences Laboratory, NHS Tayside.

The arguments presented stimulated much audience participation with good points made by both sides. Paula focussed on the additional time and costs incurred in trying to bring about new and improved ways of operating and whether these were strictly necessary. The chair offered an opportunity for comments and thoughts from the audience before taking a show of hands for the proposition – nearly everyone, and the opposition – three. Eric and Paula agreed to disagree and amicably shook hands. The Chair thanked the protagonists and audience for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

The business of the AGM was conducted – 50-year medals were presented to Richard Webber and John (Ian) Cowie. The Chair read the citations and President presented the medals.

David Wilson Chaired the afternoon session and started by introducing Dr Kate Cruschieri, she is the Director Scottish HPV Reference Lab, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and gave an update: What next for HPV associated screening and disease management, which described how infection with papilloma virus is high, however not all cases of high-risk HPV infection in women convert to CIN 3 or cervical cancer. This is due to ‘non-clearance ‘of the virus and factors influencing this were outlined. 

David Wilson introduced the final speaker of the meeting, Jill Rodney, the Chief Executive of the IBMS. Jill advised the meeting that they were going to hear about the draft proposed strategy of the IBMS which was still due for consideration by the Council. Jill described the timeline for the development of the strategy, from early 2010 up to now, and that the strategy was underpinned by the mission, values and vision of the IBMS. 

The final part of the meeting was to present the poster award for innovative research or project work. Five posters had been submitted and the President selected the poster submitted by Stephen McDonald and team from Furness General Hospital for a poster entitled: The use of Becton Dickinson rapid serum tubes to improve turnaround times, describing work with industry and clinical colleagues to improve in-lab turnaround times. Stephen received a £100 cheque from the Chair of the Committee.”

The IBMS is pleased to hear of such a lively and successful AGM and Scientific meeting. You can read a full account of the day here.

Following the event, IBMS eStudent Ethan Wilson tweeted, “Yesterday I attended the @IBMScience in Scotland AGM and it was fascinating. As a 3rd year student it was a great opportunity to meet current practitioners in BMS related work and receive helpful advice. Two 50 year membership awards were inspiring to see too.”