IDSc 2024 highlights major changes ahead

The IDSc has a vital role in driving forward the professionalism of decontamination science. One of its key goals is to raise the profile of the profession, so that patients understand how vital the decontamination role is for ensuring patient safety. At the same time, it is also raising the profile of the profession within healthcare organisations. Historically, the profession has not received the recognition it deserves or been given the same standing as pathology, radiology, pharmacy and other healthcare sciences, for example. It is time that we changed this.

One of the ways we are seeking to raise the profile and standing of the profession is through access to high quality education. It is vital to ensuring high standards and in achieving recognition of the profession as a rigorous scientific discipline. To support this, IDSc have invested in study days throughout the year, held at a variety of locations across the UK. A new programme is being drawn up for 2025 and details of these can be found at https://www.idsc.co.uk/news-and-events/

These study days are in addition to the main annual conference, which takes place on 26th-27th November 2024, at the Birmingham Metropole Hotel. For all those working in the field of decontamination, this educational conference and exhibition is a must-attend event — providing an opportunity to: network and exchange knowledge with colleagues; to discover the latest innovations advancing best practice; to learn about the latest guidance; and to find solutions to ongoing challenges. This year, there is even more reason to attend, as the sector faces some major changes ahead.