Professional education as a structural barrier to lifelong learning in theNHS

The concept of the learning society is analysed in relation to the healthca re sector and various occupations within it. It is maintained that although traditional boundaries have been blurred or eroded in the workplace in rec ent years. there remains strong opposition to this erosion on the part of m any healthcare professions. This professional demarcation is particularly i llustrated by the educational arrangements for various healthcare occupatio ns, where it has prevented recognition of any overlap in the initial educat ion and training of these groups. The resulting educational boundaries are argued to he incompatible with the concept of a learning society, as well a s holding negative consequences for the provision of health care. Suggestio ns are made for a new approach to health care education.