Staff in the east share more about their roles for Healthcare Science Week

Healthcare Science Week is an annual week-long programme designed to promote the amazing work of healthcare science professionals and highlight the difference they make to patients' lives.

Staff across the east of England are sharing their stories to help highlight the wide range of roles in healthcare science and inspire the next generation of staff.

Below staff from the region explain about their work.

Charlotte Mehegan

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Chief Cardiac Physiologist and Regional Healthcare Science Training Lead for ECG and Cardiac Rhythm Management, East of England

Why did you choose a career in healthcare science?

I chose this career as it gives me the opportunity to bring together my passion for cardiac physiology and diagnostics, with patient care. My role provides a forum for professional development, innovation and above all else the opportunity to improve a patient’s quality of life.  

What does a typical day involve?

Usually a range of specialist diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions. My clinical work involves coronary angiography, a form of heart imaging, and the implantation of cardiac devices such as pacemakers. I am responsible for patient-specific device programming and optimisation of therapy to improve length and quality of life.

I’m also often in the device clinic where we follow-up with our patients at regular intervals. We work very closely with our wider clinical team both in hospital such as consultants and heart failure nurses, and in the community with GPs and rehabilitation centres.  

My regional training lead role allows me to inspire current and future healthcare scientists through education, mentoring and signposting to great resources. Myself and my team within the east of England are passionate about promoting healthcare science and are driven by the engagement of like-minded colleagues and students.

How does your job impact on patient health?

Within cardiac science I interpret clinical data to support diagnosis, helping patients receive the most appropriate care. My role in the optimisation of therapeutic device therapy allows me to improve a patient’s quality of life, whether that’s improving their cardiac function or treating their life-threatening issues such as an irregular heartbeat.

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in Healthcare Science?

Choose a specialism you are passionate about, and to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity of experience and professional development that is offered to you along the way!

Andrew Shah

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust

Head of Radiation Protection

Why did you choose a career in healthcare science?

I always wanted a career where I could help people. This career has allowed me to use academic training in physics to help improve patient care across a number of NHS trusts.

What does a typical day involve?

The role of a clinical scientist in diagnostic radiology and radiation protection physics is very varied! We work with departments using ionising radiation for patient x-ray imaging - to ensure staff and patients are safe. A typical day might include reviewing working practices to assess staff safety, designing shielding requirements for x-ray rooms and reviewing radiation dose levels for staff across our trusts. We advise on the specification of advanced imaging equipment such as CT scanners and audit patient radiation dose levels before advising on any changes to clinical practice for patient imaging.  

How does your job impact on patient health?

We work with trusts to help ensure the right patient has the right imaging examination at the right time. Working with other professions we advise on optimisation of equipment to ensure image quality is fit for purpose while keeping radiation dose as low as possible.

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in healthcare science?

Healthcare science is incredibly rewarding with good career development and opportunities to improve patient care using evidence-based practice. There are a wide range of science specialisms in healthcare, if you have an interest in science or come from a scientific background explore the national school website to see what careers are available https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/

Craig Jamieson

Cambridge university hospitals NHS trust

Medical device evaluation specialist

Why did you choose a career in healthcare science?

I didn't set out to - but when my career plan pilot fell through, I wanted to use my technical background for good, and to help other people l so that's what I do every day now

What does a typical day involve?

My job involves dealing with clinicians and project managing the purchase of new equipment and ensuring it's compliant with the relevant standards.

This was after years of working as a technician, ensuring the safe and accurate operation of a range of medical devices - from thermometers to defibrillators and surgical robots. No two days are ever the same!

How does your job impact on patient health?

My role helps to ensure accurate, cutting-edge technology is used across the hospital in many different contexts, and helps to make sure the devices and equipment work in the best possible way for patients.

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in healthcare science?

There are so many routes in and some really good training pathways. See if you could do some work experience, see what works for you, and put everything towards achieving it!