Virtual SSA-interactive distance learning in Wales

Introduction: The Higher Specialist Scientific Training (HSST) program prepares healthcare scientists for the challenging role of Consultant Clinical Scientist within the NHS. This 5-year work based program, underpinned by a part time doctorate, is managed and delivered by the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) and funded by Health Education England (HEE). Method: The HSST training programs for pathology specialities and life sciences are implemented in conjunction with the Royal College of Pathologists including Haematology and Transfusion Science, Clinical Immunology, Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, Microbiology and Virology. These programs entail a blend of training for essential skills required in senior scientific roles within the NHS either in hospitals or blood services, including leadership, innovation, research and higher specialist scientific and clinical knowledge. The funded academic element entails a Professional Doctorate (DClinSci) and a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDIP) in Leadership and Management. Trainees are required to gain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists through specialist FRCPath examinations. Results: There are currently 58 candidates enrolled on the Scientist Training Programme (STP) for Haematology and Transfusion Science that provides eligibility for entry to HSST training either for the Haematology or for Transfusion Science program. This will hopefully increase further with an updated STP curriculum in 2022. There is also now increased eligibility for biomedical scientists to apply for these HSST training posts. There are currently 11 trainees on the HSST Haematology program and a further 11 on the Transfusion Science program with training for many of the latter strongly supported by the UK Blood Services and in particular NHS Blood and Transplant. Conclusion: The initial HSST cohorts of trainees are now beginning to complete the program and taking on significant clinical and scientific responsibilities with scope for easing the burden where there are significant workforce gaps. During the COVID19 pandemic, HSST trainees took on further roles and responsibilities highlighting their adaptability and resilience. The relatively low number of HSST posts in Haematology and Transfusion Medicine at present suggest this is a highly under-recognised and under-utilised resource with potential for a blended medical and scientific consultant workforce as a flexible solution to staffing and recruitment issues.