Healthcare science staff use a range of science, engineering, and technology skills to prevent, diagnose and treat a range of medical conditions. From laboratories to working directly with patients, our scientists assess and diagnose disease and illness and help patients live independent and fulfilling lives and our data and technology experts improve systems that benefit patients.
This week (11 to 15 March) is Healthcare Science Week and brings together over 50 scientific specialisms to celebrate their outstanding work and raise awareness of this diverse workforce.
We’re proud to have a range of these specialities at University Hospitals Sussex, in everything from audiology, pathology and clinical engineering to microbiology, immunology and cardiac science.
Healthcare scientists are a group that in most cases operate behind the scenes, often in our labs and clinics, going unseen by many who visit our hospitals, but they work across all divisions in all of our hospitals.
Within a patient’s experience of our hospitals, it’s not just doctors and nurses, in many cases a healthcare scientist has played a part in the patient journey, despite not ever seeing them face-to-face.
This diverse group of colleagues perform critical tasks and responsibilities which aid patients across Sussex, with their work underpinning 80% of all diagnoses.
The scientific backbone of the NHS, these healthcare scientists deliver high quality, evidence-based scientific services, and for whose expertise we depend on.
Meet some of our fantastic healthcare scientists
Jessica is a Trainee Biomedical Scientist currently doing a yearlong placement at UHSussex within haematology – the study of diseases related to blood.
“My role works towards being a qualified Biomedical Scientist, it gives me real life insight in the field I am studying and allows me to merge the knowledge I have learned throughout my time in university with firsthand patient sample experience.
“All blood test samples that are collected in the hospital and in GPs surrounding the hospital are tested in this lab. I help to efficiently test the high volume of samples that come into the lab on a daily or even hourly basis, to help the patients get the correct treatment fast.”
Tyler is a Medical Laboratory Assistant.
“I support the biomedical science staff around the lab, from assisting dissection to slicing specimens on the microtone – a specialised cutting instrument. My role includes data entry, maintaining machines, checking consumables, and discarding all the waste that we generate. This work ensures a more efficient and quicker turnaround time for patients getting their diagnosis.
Elly is a Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant and has worked in haematology for over 10 years.
“There’s always the opportunity to learn, every single day. We test thousands of samples each week and yet, there’s always clinical details that crop up with a condition no-one’s heard of before that get us deep diving for more information!
“Particularly in the realm of leukaemia, working in haematology can be deeply emotional at times. The daily exposure to the outcomes can be overwhelming, especially when the lines are blurred between your personal experiences and the patients’ struggles. What keeps me motivated is knowing the profound impact, although indirect, that the lab has for these individuals and their families. Even on the most challenging days, we’re collectively making a positive impact for those patients coping with cancer, one sample at a time.”
Beginning her career eight years ago as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in blood transfusion, today Jen is a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in haematology and blood transfusion.
“My work supports patients in a vital way, by aiding diagnosis and monitoring, and providing treatment such as when blood products are required. I feel our role is in the background of healthcare, with a lot of patients not even really realising we exist! But without us, clinicians would not be able to provide blood to patients, nor identify the cause of patient’s problems in many cases or identify a need to provide or alter treatment.”
At UHSussex, we have a range of positions within healthcare science. Explore these roles and find out more information about a career in a field that offers many opportunities for continuing your professional development and learning.