A spotlight on our staff for Healthcare Science Week

Healthcare Science Week, 11-15 March 2024 brings together over 50 scientific specialisms and professional groups to celebrate and raise awareness of this diverse NHS workforce. 

To celebrate we heard from some trainee healthcare science staff in the east of England.

Michael Goddard

Studying: Clinical Engineering (L3)

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Describe a day in the life of your role

I work both in the workshop in Clinical Engineering and off-site at various locations, repairing and servicing a variety of medical devices. This can also involve applying technical fault-finding techniques and calibration. I record all of my work performed in our equipment database.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

There is a lot to learn about a variety of medical devices, and the underlying principles of repairing and testing them i.e. electrical safety testing, electronics, anaesthetics, human anatomy. It is never boring.

What was your career path to the position you’re in now

Medical Equipment Library Assistant

Maintenance Technician

Apprentice Clinical Technologist

What is your biggest achievement to date?

I believe I have progressed quite quickly to date and this is in no small part down to the quality of the training provided and the opportunities available.

Marvelous Nwandu

Studying: PGDip Respiratory Science

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust

Describe a day in the life of your role

I have allocated study at the beginning of the week and then work clinically under supervision for the rest of the week. At the moment I’m learning how to undertake pulmonary function tests, field exercise tests and oxygen assessments. I go to university in block weeks for the academic element of my training.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy the development aspect of my training. Having positive colleagues that help with my confidence makes it easier to try again after mistakes and keep persevering. I also enjoy applying the skills I have learnt to my next patient and seeing the positive outcomes that come about the change, specifically in regard to patient care.

What was your career path to the position you’re in now

BSc Biomedical Science

Healthcare Support Worker and Histopathology Assistant

Assistant Practitioner - Respiratory Investigations

What is your biggest achievement to date?

Reflecting back from where I started to see how far I’ve come. I have developed skills from working with patients and having supportive hard-working colleagues makes me proud to be part of this department.

Mercedes Morales

Studying: Biomedical Science (Level 6)

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Trust

Describe a day in the life of your role

I work alongside biomedical scientists and other healthcare professionals to ensure that all aspects of my role run smoothly. This role includes booking request forms, preparing samples for analysis, operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, and accurately recording and documenting patients' clinical information. I follow health and safety protocols by consistently maintaining a clean and well-organised work environment for myself and my colleagues.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The aspect I like most about my role as a biomedical science support worker is the direct impact that I have on patient care. Knowing that my work contributes to diagnostics and medical decision-making is incredibly fulfilling. I enjoy the energy and challenges faced within the laboratory environment. Due to this, continuous learning and adaptation are essential. Working with such a diverse team of professionals within this setting also gives me a substantial sense of purpose and accomplishment.

What was your career path to the position you’re in now

Studied at University of Granada

Healthcare assistant (phlebotomy)

Level 6 Healthcare Science Apprenticeship (Biomedical Science)

What is your biggest achievement to date?

Securing a place in the degree apprenticeship programme as a biomedical scientist. I am proud of the progressive impact of my efforts on patient care and biomedical science.