MINUTES OF ACC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Held at:

Central Hall, University Of York

On:

Tuesday 12th September 2000 at 17.15

The retiring Chairman welcomed everyone to the ACC AGM and informed those present that she would chair the meeting through items 1-3 and then would hand over to the incoming Chairman, Lorraine Gaunt, to chair the rest of the meeting.

1

APOLOGIES

Received directly by the Secretary from Susan Blunt, Mike Creasy, Pat Ellis and Stuart Imrie.

2

MINUTES OF THE AGM HELD ON 28TH SEPTEMBER 1999

Item 3 (viii) insert after Royal College of Pathologists SAC for Genetics
Item 4.3 should read David Townsley-Hughes

3

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

(i)

Maggie Fitchett to act as Deputy Chairman (one year term only).

(ii)

The following venues had been offered:-

2001
2002
2003
2004

Nottingham
Cambridge
Glasgow
Hosted by Leeds at York.

(iiii)

a)

Barbara Gibbons is to be the new chairman. Maggie Fitchett thanked John Wolstenholme for his contribution as chairman over the years. The work of the scientific committee includes responding to documents relating to scientific matters which are received by the ACC.

b)

Christine Harrison is to liaise with the British Society for Haematology regarding a joint session with cytogeneticists at their meeting in 2001.

c)

The study of prenatally detected marker chromosomes is under way and is being organised by Ros Hastings.

The X-autosome study is nearing completion for publication.

Funding has been obtained for an extension, (until March 2001) for the Chromosome Abnormality Database that is managed by Claire Scott (nee Chapman).

(iv)

a)

A joint working party between the ACC and the RCPath has resulted in the issue of a consultation document entitled 'Revised Advice on Laboratory Containment Measures for Work with Clinical Cytogenetics Tissue Samples'. This in essence will allow for the processing of HIV-positive (and other BBV) at containment level 2+ for amniotic fluid, chorionic villus, tissue and solid tumour samples, and also for blood and bone marrow samples providing the culture time does not exceed 100hrs. This document does not become official, and therefore cannot be adopted, until it has had Ministerial approval which is expected early in 2001.

b)

The MDA (Medical Devices Agency) has issued an ‘Alert’ regarding the use of CVS transport medium in the sampling procedure due to a risk of introducing it into patients during such procedures.

(v)

a)

The new subscription level for BSHG is £35 of which £10 goes to the ACC.

b)

To maintain the timely delivery of information most communication is now done electronically. Maggie Fitchett reminded the profession that it is then the responsibility of the Heads of Departments to bring such information to the attention of staff as appropriate.

(vi)

A questionnaire has been received by all genetics laboratories on behalf of the Human Genetics Commission requesting information about genetic services. At present the ACC is unaware of the status of this information.

(vii)

a)

Kim Smith is the ACC representative on both these bodies. The role of the CCSO is to be expanded to include all the scientific and technical workforce.

b)

It was agreed at the last Council meeting to withdraw ACC membership of the Science Council on the basis of duplication of effort as the views of the profession are canvassed through other channels.

(viii)

Mike Creasy is the representative of the ACC and has recently contributed to a consultation process inquiring into genetic databases.

(ix)

Registration

a)

A board within CPSM has now been established for Clinical Scientists.

b)

The ACS (Association of Clinical Scientists) has been established to consider professional matters relating to registration. Lorraine Gaunt is the ACC representative to this body.

c)

The ACC has been invited to comment on the consultation document relating to the proposals for a Health Professions Council.

(x)

A task force, chaired by Alan McDermott was established to consider the issues surrounding full membership of the ACC for MTOs. The recommendation, which was supported by Council, was that this should be reconsidered after the issues surrounding State Registration for Clinical Scientists are finalised and any effects on career grading, resulting from the NHS pay modernisation, are known. There is continuing discussion within the profession on this topic, for example at the recently held MTO training workshop.

(xi)

a)

After lengthy discussions with the Royal College of Pathologists on the issue of partial exemption from the MRCPath, the DipACC is being phased out. Val Davison has taken over from Alan McDermott as Chairman of the Panel of Examiners until the conclusion of the exam (expected in 2003). This will now allow a focus on the MRCPath as the professional qualification.

b)

no item 3.xi.b

c)

The MSc, validated by Oxford Brookes University is likely to be phased out. Following a review of teaching commitments it is probable that the University will close courses not taught within the University. Following canvassing to all laboratories it was evident that the numbers likely to register did not make its continuation viable.

d)

Val Davison has compiled competencies and career pathways for Cytogenetics Technologists linked to the occupational standards framework. Details were presented to representatives from laboratories at a meeting on Sept. 7^th.

e)

The Professional Training sub-committee has produced revised guidelines on what is expected in A grade training portfolios and has changed some module credit ratings. The project module is now compulsory. Also, within the new training manual, generic competencies expected of clinical scientists are outlined. Kim Smith had organised a one-day workshop for trainers.

f)

A short list of study days has been circulated. The Chairman reminded the profession that it is responsible for its own training and made a plea for more offers to organise study days from more departments, all of which, over the years have benefited from the few laboratories who have organised study days/courses.

(xii)

a)

A training logbook entitled 'Training record of Higher Specialist Training for Grade B Clinical Cytogeneticists' is available on the College website. Maggie Fitchett has been appointed as Specialty Advisor for Cytogenetics to replace Pat Jacobs.

b)

The College has established two new groups, The Pathology Alliance (consisting of the RCPath, ACS and IBMS) and a Standing Committee for Clinical Science, which aims to promote the role of clinical scientists within the College. (Maggie Fitchett is a member of the latter group.)

c)

Previously the ACC has contributed to College 'Codes of practice' but the College now considers these obsolete as the standards are now adequately covered by CPA as well as other accreditation bodies.

(xiii)

a)

The new chairman of UKNEQAS Steering Committee is Teresa Davies. Selwyn Roberts and Katie Waters have replaced Tony Potter on the Joint Working Group and NQAAP respectively.

b)

Slide distribution has taken place

c)

Inspection of the NEQAS scheme by CPA (EQA) is due in October.

d)

New CPA laboratory standards will require laboratories to have a Quality Manual and a Quality Manager.

e)

At the request of CPA an ACC task force has been established to review the CPA standards for home-workers.

(xiv)

This committee was established to review all aspects of professional standards. Following wide consultation a document is now been finalised ready for publication and distribution.

(xv)

Heads of Departments Meeting

This took place on 30^th March and included topics such as, activity rates, professional standards, registration and all aspects of training.

(xvi)

Statements and Responses

a)

The ACC contributed to an IoB consultation response to the House of Commons Select Committee for Science and Technology on 'Government Expenditure on research and Development'.

b)

Response to Alan Milburn on 'A Health Service for all Talents: Developing the NHS workforce'.

c)

The ACC responded to a document 'Prenatal Genetic Testing' from the Advisory Committee for Genetics Testing.

d)

Currently the ACC is considering a response to 'Modernising Regulation -The new Health Professions Council'. (This is the body thay will take over from CPSM.)

Other documents received:-

e)

Agenda for Change: Modernising the NHS Pay System.

f)

The chairman commented that the above demonstrates the national debates which we need to be aware of, and actively contribute to, which can have a strong influence on the provision of services and the future of the profession generally.

(xvii)

Votes of Thanks

a)

The chairman thanked all the retiring Council members for their valuable contributions during their terms of office.

b)

The Chairman then extended thanks to Pat Ellis who is retiring from cytogenetics (Edinburgh) in September. She thanked Pat for her continual support of the activities of the ACC and especially for her period as a member of Council and as Assistant Secretary.

c)

The chairman then, on behalf of the profession thanked Alan McDermott who has also announced his retirement from cytogenetics. Alan was a founder member of the ACC and has made major contributions to the development of the profession. For many years Alan was Chairman of the ACC and more recently his roles have included Chairman of DipACC Examiners, Chairman of CPA SAC in Genetics, Chairman of the Panel of Assessors for the DOH. He has been a Trustee of the ACC for many years. Alan will be especially missed for his ability to advise on external influences affecting the profession in an accurate and often visionary way.

The Chairman then, with the full backing of the Council Executive and the Trustee present, suggested that it would be extremely appropriate for Alan to be considered for Honorary Fellowship of the ACC. Unfortunately the rules of the Association require that all motions and resolutions are lodged with the Secretary six weeks prior to this meeting. Such a resolution would not then be able to take effect until 2001. From the floor Tony Potter asked if it was possible to make an exception to the rules in the circumstances. This suggestion was supported by John Barber and there was unanimous agreement from the floor that this should happen. An extra proposal that Alan McDermott be elected to Honorary Fellowship of the Association was then added to the agenda (item 4.3).

Maggie Fitchett then handed over to Lorraine Gaunt to chair the rest of the meeting.

4

RESOLUTIONS

Proposal for Emeritus Fellow Professor Malcolm Ferguson-Smith
Proposed by Maggie Fitchett
Seconded by Alan McDermott
This proposal was unanimously accepted

Nomination for Trustee (to replace Dr Alan McDermott) - Mr Rod Howell

Proposed by the ACC Council
This proposal was unanimously accepted.

4.3

Proposal for Honorary Fellowship - Dr Alan McDermott

Proposed by Maggie Fitchett
Seconded by John Barber
This proposal was unanimously accepted.

5

JLC REPORT

Sarah Ryley presented this report.

i)

Funding had been agreed for the graduate recruitment document, prepared by the JLC and copies were to be distributed to all laboratories and relevant careers offices.

ii)

The JLC are investigating setting up a website either as a stand alone site or possibly one linked to the ACC website.

iii)

Andrew Beddow has been the JLC representative on the Scientific Committee for the last year.

iv)

Claire Pike has been the JLC representative on the ETC Steering Committee and on the Professional Training Sub-Committee.

v)

Sarah Ryley has been a member of the working party considering the extension of full membership of the ACC to MTO grades.

vi)

Clare Pike and Sarah Ryley are now demitting office and are replaced by Caroline Baird (Glasgow) and Una Maye (Liverpool).

vii)

Andrew Beddow will join the ETC.

viii)

Clare Pike was thanked for her contributions to the JLC and given warm wishes for her move to America.

6

TREASURER'S REPORT

i)

John Wolstenholme began by thanking the former Treasurer, Mike Creasy, for his help in the hand-over period.

ii)

John reminded members that the ACC membership fee was only £10 (of the £35 total fee for the BSHG) and that other income was from the A grade training programme, money received from the Spring meeting and other courses and bank interest. The expenditure which accounted for some £1,500-£2,000 per month was mainly the expenses of individuals carrying out professional duties.

iii)

The adoption of the accounts was proposed by Selwyn Roberts and seconded by Norman Pratt. The re-appointment of the auditors, Wilkins Kennedy was proposed by Lisa Burvill-Holmes and seconded by Robert Morgan.

7

CORRESPONDENCE

None

8

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE AGM HELD ON 28^TH SEPTEMBER 1999

None

9

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

David Mutton reminded those present about the Down Syndrome Register and thanked everyone for their continued support of it. There were now 14,000 records over the last ten years and some interesting trends have been observed. He encouraged laboratories to continue to send in data.

Lorraine Gaunt proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the Profession to Maggie Fitchett for her last six years as chairman of Council. Lorraine added a personal note of thanks for the help and support she had received from Maggie in her role as Secretary. Maggie was presented with a small token of appreciation from the profession.

10

DATE OF NEXT AGM

This is provisionally 11^th September 2001 at 17.15 in Central Hall, University of York .

Meeting closed at 18.40