Healthcare science: redefining our workforce

Ministerial Foreword

The Scottish Government continues to recognise and champion the crucial role of healthcare science in delivering safe, effective, and innovative healthcare across Scotland.

Our scientific workforce is at the heart of excellence in our NHS, and their contributions span diagnostics, treatment, data science, and technological innovation, impacting patient outcomes every day.

This second paper in the ‘Healthcare Science in Scotland’ series builds on the strategic vision set out in our first publication. It focuses on redefining the scientific workforce to ensure it is visible, valued, and empowered to meet the evolving needs of our population.

By redefining the profession, and by strengthening leadership, we aim to create a more resilient workforce identity that supports both career development and service transformation.

We know that the challenges facing our health service are complex and multifaceted – but within these challenges lie opportunities to innovate, to collaborate, and to lead. Healthcare scientists are uniquely positioned to drive this change, and this paper sets the foundation for a future where their expertise is fully utilised into service planning and the delivery of healthcare in Scotland.

I am proud to support this work and remain committed to ensuring that healthcare science continues to thrive in Scotland. Together, we can build a system that not only recognises the value of science in healthcare but also ensures that the population of Scotland benefits from its full potential.

Jenni Minto MSP

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health