HFMA 2019: Qualifications take centre stage

05 December 2019 Steve Brown

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Some 84 learners gained intermediate or masters-level qualifications during the year as the qualifications – formally launched in May 2017 – continued to attract growing numbers. The HFMA Academy runs intermediate (level 4), advanced diplomas and advanced higher diplomas in healthcare business and finance as well as delivering a diploma in advanced primary care management, awarded by the National Association for Primary Care. It now has over 500 current and past learners registered on its programmes.quals l

 

Students for the HFMA’s own qualifications have to date been drawn from a number of disciplines. While around 60% of learners have come from finance departments, more than 20% have a clinical background.

 

Fifty of the 84 learners gained either the advanced (20 students) or advanced higher (30 students) diplomas in healthcare business and finance. Graduates of the advanced higher diploma are eligible for the final third of an MBA programme in healthcare finance, developed by BPP University. Twelve people have already started the MBA programme.

 

A further 21 learners gained a level 7 certificate, awarded for completing a single module from the advanced diploma programme. Thirteen students gained either a certificate or award for the intermediate qualification.

 

Some 40 of the graduates attended the ceremony – held during the HFMA annual conference - to receive their certificates and diplomas from HFMA president Bill Gregory and HFMA director of education, Alison Myles. 

 

The HFMA also named Edward Gold (pictured), head of costing and income at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, as the winner of this year’s Tony Whitfield Learner of the Year Award – selected from a shortlist of five students.Edward Gold l

 

Former HFMA president Tony Whitfield was a major contributor to the association’s education agenda and an advocate for continuing professional development – the pursuit of which he championed in his year as president under the theme of Knowing the business

 

Mr Gold has been studying for the advanced higher diploma, which he is due to complete in early 2020. He gained a distinction in the module on Supporting quality care through patient-level costing. Tutors said Mr Gold’s contributions to discussions were always well thought through, balanced and positive. ‘He engaged fully and, in completing the activities, demonstrated the ability to be able to quickly identify what was required. He was also very proactive, reading ahead and he took on other perspectives and points of view.’

 

Mr Gold said: ‘It's a real surprise and an honour. It’s nice to be recognised and it’s not something I was expecting when I started. You go into it to make a difference to your organisation and, ultimately, to help patients.’

The course is a significant time commitment, but worth it in the end, he added. ‘It’s not been easy to fit everything in and I am lucky to have a supportive family who don't complain when I don't do the washing up. I am also lucky to have a bursary from NHS Improvement and from the trust, which paid the rest of the cost.’

Does he have any tips for fellow students? ‘If you have a spare half hour then you ought to be using it – that’s the best way of getting through and getting your 10, 12, 15 hours of study that you need to be doing.’