Sector Profile - Medical 2009

There is more to employment in the UK medical sector than the NHS but its dominance is inescapable, encompassing hundreds of employing organisations. The management of suppliers of all types is controlled by framework agreements set up by NHS Purchasing & Supply Agency part of the network of health sector agencies and organisations which endeavour to understand, direct and maintain the healthcare workforce.

Outside the NHS are a range of industries also employing medical staff though in much lower numbers. The UK has a strong position in the markets for pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, bio-device interfaces, informatics, laboratory technology and biotechnology. The law, journalism, and sport also employ medically trained staff in various capacities such as in managing evidence, reporting
on trends and advising on fi tness regimes.

The future prospects for employment in the medical sector will be closely tied to the spending policies of the next government and the way budget constraints affect workforce planning - a critical aspect of medical sector management. This sector will continue to pose many interesting challenges for all those involved in supplying staff.