Over recent years we have all seen a growth in Point of Care (POC) along with the desire and need for proper governance frameworks in place. This serves to ensure the results produced are quality results that can be used confidently in patient management. 

As this growth has occurred we have seen an increase within the POC workforce, including all NHS Bands. Unfortunately this increase in workforce has not been equitable across the UK but I do believe if we continue to work together, we can highlight the risk of uncontrolled POC devices and in time all NHS trusts will have POC teams providing the necessary oversight for quality POC schemes.

Once we have POC staff we must be mindful of how we educate them and invest within our teams. We don’t just want teams of people but instead we require functional innovative and well rounded individuals to be able to provide POC knowledge to all grades of health care staff in the most appropriate and supportive way. 

POC teams require the scientific knowledge of a traditional biomedical scientist role, but also to be able to engage with all health care roles. This is because we provide training programmes for all types of learner, have to understand NHS “business/ accountancy” whilst also being fully aware of risk management. As a POC manager I have had to equip myself with a whole new repertoire of skills to supplement my Biomedical Scientist background. I love my job and the challenges it sets but what I have come to realise is now that I have a team it is vital that I rise to the new challenge of developing that team within their Point of Care roles.  

Over the years I have been lucky to attend numerous courses and educational days and latterly have also been involved in event organising (yet another new skill). Throughout all these experiences I find that many attending are manager level and very few are band 2, 3, or 4. I appreciate sending staff on events has a toll on the everyday work but if we don’t allow or help to facilitate learning for all how can we build strong POC teams? 

So my take away: 

As a manager you need new skills, arm yourself well! Spending time on your own development is essential.

Educate and invest in your team by facilitating and promoting attendance at events and allow your team to partaking in discussions outside your front door but with other NHS colleagues. 

And, if you do wish to educate your team – feel free to send them to our November event!

Jayne McKay, 2024