Healthcare Science

Healthcare Science is a profession that includes over 40 areas of applied science that support diagnosis and treatment. Together they provide the scientific backbone of the NHS and their work underpins 80% of all diagnoses. The specialisms come under four areas:

  • Life sciences
  • Physical sciences
  • Physiological sciences
  • Informatics - this cuts across all of the previous three areas.

Life sciences is divided into genetics, pathology and reproductive science with roles in clinical immunology, haematology, histopathology and virology.

Physical sciences include clinical engineering, nuclear medicine, radiation physics and radiotherapy physics.

Physiological sciences includes audiology, cardiac science, neurophysiology and respiratory physiology.

Informatics includes health informatics an interdisciplinary field studting data sets and bioinformatics physic science involving ensuring clinical IT systems and medical devices are safely commissioned and comply with information standards.

Testimonials from colleagues 2021

Alan Bryant - Principle Clinical Scientist

"I have worked in Audiology for 15 years, helping with the diagnosis and management of hearing loss, tinnitus and vestibular disorder. I was attracted to the role through a desire to work with and for people by using science to improve health.

The Trust has a strong history of associating itself and supporting health care science training programs and I was lucky to gain a training position which included obtaining a Masters qualification and the clinical qualifications to be registered as a Clinical Scientist. By training at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, I have benefitted from quality teaching and a wealth of experience during my training years and during subsequent career development into management.

There has always been a strong sense of teamwork at the Trust and a sense of pride in being part of the community. There is a strong drive within the Trust to do things well, innovate, share and improve so that the quality of our services meet the needs of the people using them. A focus on the Trusts core values is never far from any hospital initiative and that has bred a feeling of continued development. Its these aspects that make me excited about the job I do and the future we can aim for."

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