60th Anniversary Symposium Programme

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our staff members, colleagues and friends to our Scientific Symposium to celebrate the 60 th Anniversary of the Department of Clinical Physics and Bioengineering. In 1953, soon after the formation of the National Health Service in Scotland in which teaching hospitals were managed by regional hospital boards, Professor John Lenihan created a unique Regional Physics Department. The concept, though entirely novel, was timely just as the invasion of healthcare by technology was about to begin. His vision was to have staff located in hospitals as members of clinical teams with a primary aim to direct, develop and diffuse the introduction of new technologies into the NHS. The central laboratories provided career development, funding and strategic management directed by members of their own profession. The department grew quickly and was so successful that by the 1980s its model was copied across the world. Medical Physics in Scotland became renowned throughout the world contributing to the development of clinical technologies including MRI, QCT, Ultrasound, Tissue Heart Valve, the Insulin Pen, etc. 60 years on, our department is thriving with more than 300 Scientists and Technologists engaged in a wide range of clinical services. The department has adapted to numerous structural changes to the NHS over these years. Professor John Lenihan created the department just as technology was about to invade the NHS, and similarly today an exciting opportunity opens up in the new era of digital healthcare. The integrated healthcare programme and patient centred care from the Community through to acute services fits well with the original Regional Physics concept. The last decade has seen the impact of pharmacological development on healthcare. It is widely recognised that the digital healthcare revolution will have the biggest impact in the next decade and Medical Physics in Scotland must grasp this opportunity to make a significant impact in modern healthcare delivery. Our current department was restructured a few years ago and comprises five service areas. These areas are Clinical Engineering, Core Services, Imaging, Medical Equipment Management and Radiotherapy. Our Symposium today comprises an afternoon session in which members of staff describe current research, development and clinical services. The evening session will focus on patient pathways indicating where Clinical Physics contributes throughout a particular pathway. The final session will focus on innovation before our closing keynote presentation from Sir Harry Burns. From a personal point of view, …