On Wednesday 7 March 2018, healthcare scientists at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) will demonstrate the range of roles available in the NHS.

The annual Healthcare Science Showcase event will be held in the atrium of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) from 09:30 – 15:30, to celebrate Healthcare Science Week.

Pupils, patients and the public are all invited to attend the interactive event, which will celebrate the role of scientists across UHB, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HEFT) and Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust (BWC).  

UHB Healthcare Science Education lead, Dr Debra Balderson, said: “Healthcare science staff are involved in more than 80% of all clinical decisions in the NHS, acting as vital behind-the-scenes support for the nurses and doctors on the front line of patient care.”

“This event is a great way to celebrate the importance of their work, and challenge misconceptions about healthcare science.

“There are lots of exciting career options within healthcare science, and we’re looking forward to demonstrating this to students and pupils from across the West Midlands.”

The event will feature more than fifteen stands, each focused on a healthcare science specialty.

Each stand will be interactive and informative, with fun activities and career information available. 

Last year’s event included phlebotomy demonstrations, a simulated critical care bed and 3D-printed body parts.

Professor Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for Healthcare Science at NHS England, said: “Healthcare science staff cover a diverse range of specialisms; everything from directly helping patients on a ward, to working with other healthcare professionals on ground-breaking research.”

Professor Ian Cumming, Chief Executive at Health Education England, added: “Everything healthcare science staff do supports and improves patient care. Their unique contribution of bringing cutting-edge science to patient services should be celebrated across the NHS during National Healthcare Science Week.”