Petition Unlock the Full Potential of Consultant Clinical Scientists: Align Roles, Reward Equally
The NHS developed the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme to enable Clinical Scientists to reach consultant level. Those completing HSST and joining the Higher Specialist Scientist Register (HSSR) are expected to lead services, innovate, and make independent clinical decisions. However, their pay, autonomy, and recognition remain below that of medical consultants, despite equivalent levels of expertise and accountability.
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Consultant Clinical Scientists deliver high-level clinical, scientific, and strategic leadership. NHS Wales (2022) confirms they hold responsibility equivalent to medical consultants. The HSST programme is aligned in scope to FRCPath and demands doctoral-level training and advanced clinical competencies. Yet many remain on Agenda for Change Bands 8b–8d, compared to >£93,000 starting salary for medical consultants (BMA, 2023). Both the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan (2023) and the Professional Framework for Consultant Clinical Practice in Wales (HEIW, 2022) promote multi-professional leadership and recognise the need to deploy staff at the top of their license. Without parity, the NHS risks losing this highly skilled workforce and missing key opportunities to modernise services and improve patient outcomes.
National School of Healthcare Science. (2023). HSST Programme Handbook.
Health Education and Improvement Wales. (2022). Professional Framework for Enhanced, Advanced and Consultant Clinical Practice in Wales.
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