Our staff marked Healthcare Science Week (9-13 March) with career talks for local students, insights into healthcare science specialties and sessions for staff to learn more.

During the week, over 70 students from local schools and sixth forms visited Queen’s Hospital to learn more about healthcare science and how the work our scientists do integrates into patient care.

Students met scientists from different specialties including audiology, the mortuary, nuclear medicine to learn more about their roles. They also took part in demonstrations, using equipment like microscopes to get a feel for the work involved in healthcare science roles.

Neurodiversity Education and Internships Administrator, Don Santos said:

Events like Healthcare Science Week are both beneficial and essential for students. They help plant the seeds of interest regarding various careers within the NHS, with the aim of nurturing and developing our local talent.

We also held a morning of discussions and talks for our staff to learn more about Healthcare Science and the training opportunities they could be involved in.

Later in the week, our histopathology and nuclear medicine teams took us behind the scenes of their roles. The histopathology team explained the journey of a biopsy through the laboratory, while nuclear medicine demonstrated how SPECT CT scans are prepared for patients. From helping to diagnose cancer, detecting disease earlier to supporting patients with hearing loss, our healthcare scientists play an integral part in patient care.   

Keeley Thwaites, Lead Healthcare Scientist, said:

Healthcare Science Week was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the impact our healthcare science teams have across the Trust. From inspiring the next generation of scientists to showcasing the vital role science plays in patient care, it’s been a chance to recognise and celebrate the expertise and dedication behind every diagnosis, treatment and innovation.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the week a success.