Engineers challenge Westminster with their own manifesto
8 May 2017
Greater use of engineering skills can solve a host of the UK’s most pressing social issues, including reform of the county’s health care system, says the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
The organisation’s director of engineering Colin Brown made the claim at the launch of its Manifesto 2017, timed for the general election campaign.
“Engineers hold the key to solving many of the critical problems affecting society ? from transport emissions to bed blocking,” he said.
IMechE listed 19 recommendations, covering a variety of sectors including the NHS, education, transport and the environment, which could harness engineering skills to develop more effective policy.
Our manifesto provides workable solutions and we invite political parties to work with us in making these changes
Colin Brown, director of engineering, IMechE
Key points include:
- A national remote health monitoring (RHM) network to integrate acute and social care to prevent NHS ‘bed blocking’
- Ring fencing NHS land to build communities for the elderly close to hospital facilities
- Advanced GP surgeries with early diagnosis technology
- Reinstate VAT for energy efficient construction materials
- Standardise recycling collections across the UK
- Remove early specialisation in schools to encourage interest in engineering and provide paid work experience
- Retrofit vehicles with emissions-cleaning technology
- Provide incentives to improve rail capacity.
Other suggestions include plans to ensure continuity for the medical and nuclear sectors post-Brexit.
Stated Brown: “Our manifesto provides practical, workable solutions and we invite political parties to work with us in making these positive changes happen.”
To view the IMechE Manifesto 2017 click here.
