The NHS scientists innovating care at Essex hospitals
Advances in medical devices and specialised care are improving treatments for patients across mid and south Essex, thanks to the pioneering work of healthcare scientists.
Highly specialised staff working behind the scenes across the Trust, are using AI and operating specialised equipment to improve patient care, as they celebrate Healthcare Science Week (10 to 16 March).
Hannah Broad, Senior Chief Cardiac Physiologist based at Basildon Hospital, leads the service that carries out tests that help diagnose and monitor heart conditions.
She said: “We recently introduced new heart monitoring equipment, improving our ability to gather and analyse data. AI is also becoming more integrated into our work, particularly in automating measurements and predicting patient outcomes. It’s exciting to see how these advancements will shape the future of cardiac care.”
With 50,000 healthcare scientists across the UK working in research or treatment, they have key roles in the delivery of healthcare and are involved in 80% of patient diagnoses.
Emma Stead, Team Leader for Paediatric Audiology based at Broomfield Hospital, cares for younger patients in mid and south Essex.
She said: “We provide lifelong support to children with hearing loss, from diagnosis through school and into adulthood. Whether it’s advice on speech and language, how to use hearing aids, learning to drive, university support, or making social connections, we’re there every step of the way.”
Jennifer Baisden, Superintendent of the Ultrasound department at Basildon Hospital, has seen significant advances in the equipment she uses.
She said: “The equipment and science are constantly improving, and seeing the technology transform before my eyes is amazing. The changes I’ve seen in the last 20 years have been astonishing significantly improving the quality of our images and what we can diagnose.”
Emma has advice for those looking at a science career: “If you enjoy working with people and want to improve lives, healthcare science is a great choice. There are multiple entry routes, from apprenticeships to degrees, and plenty of opportunities to develop your career.”
To find out more about the roles available in healthcare science at the Trust, visit the website at: www.mse.nhs.uk/current-vacancies