On Wednesday 6 March 2019, healthcare scientists at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) will demonstrate the huge range of roles and careers available in the NHS to local schools, patients and the public.

The annual Healthcare Science event will be held in the Atrium of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEHB) from 09:00 to 16:00, as part of the celebrations of Healthcare Science Week.

Young and old alike will be invited to attend the interactive event, which will celebrate the role of scientists across UHB 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 frontline 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 showcase will feature more than 15 stands, each focused on a healthcare science specialty. Each stand aims to be interactive and informative, featuring fun activities and career information. 

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.”

For more information about the exhibits that will be available on the day and a map of how to find the showcase, please refer to the flyer below.