Students and schoolchildren from across the West Midlands found out about the range of healthcare science careers at the fourth annual Healthcare Science Day, held in the Atrium of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEHB).

The all-day event on 6 March saw 16 stands showcasing the crucial work done by healthcare scientists in the NHS, across University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) and Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust (BWC).

“A vital part of patient care is the work done by healthcare scientists,” said UHB Healthcare Science Education Lead Dr Debra Balderson, who organised the event which welcomed hundreds of patients, staff and visitors throughout the day.

“Healthcare science staff are involved in more than 80% of patient diagnosis in the NHS.

”They’re not just based in laboratories either, with many working directly with patients on the frontline of healthcare.”

Each stand focused on a different specialty, and provided information about career pathways and a range of interactive activities.

A prize for the best stand on the day was won by the Audiology team, with close runners up being the West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory and the Clinical Immunology Laboratory.

Professor Alice Roberts, Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham, came to the event and delivered a lecture to a group of students which looked at anatomy, embryology and genetics to answer the question: Who am I?

Stands at the event included a simulated critical care bed, DNA extraction and 3D-printed body parts.

“It was wonderful to welcome so many young people and talk about the range of healthcare scientist careers,” added Debra.

“Events like these are really important in shattering the misconception that the NHS is just doctors and nurses.

“The feedback from everyone was really positive, and hopefully quite a few of our younger visitors were inspired to consider a career in healthcare science.”

If you are interested in finding out more about healthcare science careers, please contact Debra:

Email: Debra.Balderson@uhb.nhs.uk