Centre for Healthcare Science launch celebrates collaboration with key partners

The launch of the Centre for Healthcare Science at the University of Essex brought together key partners from NHS England, NHS integrated care systems and trusts in the East of England, the National School of Healthcare Science, local secondary schools and further education colleges.

The event explored the work already underway to support healthcare science in the East of England, and underlined the need for further growth and expansion and the opportunities for the Centre to support, develop and innovate in this area.

• See the photos from the event

Introductory speeches were given by Dean of Integrated Health and Care Partnerships Professor Victoria Joffe, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Health Professor Maria Fasli, and East of England Regional Director of Workforce, Training and Education for NHS England Phil Carver. They explained why healthcare science is so important and set the scene for the creation of the new Centre.

Professor Joffe said: "I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend the launch. It is so exciting to see how we are all coming together to drive forward this new Centre of Healthcare Science in the East of England. The launch event really is only the start of our collaborative efforts, and we look forward to engaging with other partners and stakeholders as the initiative progresses.”

The importance of Healthcare Science

Healthcare Science is a profession that includes over 40 areas of applied science that support diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare scientists are integral to patient care and participate in around 80% of the clinical decisions made in the NHS. They comprise over 50,000 of the workforce in the NHS and public health services working alongside doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and other healthcare practitioners, and are often at the forefront of clinical and technological transformation and innovation.

A patient’s journey, prognosis and outcomes can be enhanced considerably by the healthcare scientist. And yet, healthcare scientists are often, working tirelessly without much exposure or attention. Recruitment to these roles and to training pathways in healthcare science is challenging, and the average child in secondary school, or careers teacher, is not routinely made aware of the diverse range of career opportunities in this sector.

Professor Joffe explained to attendees that the University wants to help change this and in working closely with partners raise the profile of healthcare science from school-age, providing an East of England centre of excellence, with opportunities for training, future workforce development and upskilling the existing workforce, together with developing research and scholarship in the area.

Professor Berne Ferry, leading the new Centre, was Head of the National School of Healthcare Science before joining the University. Professor Ferry told those attending the Centre is a co-production between the University and its partners, and outlined some of the opportunities available for collaboration.

Namir Al Hasso, STP Training Programme Director and East of England Dean for Healthcare Science at the National School of Healthcare Science, also provided attendees with an overview of workforce, training and education needs in the region. As part of an interactive session, attendees were invited to provide feedback to the University, in order to develop a future plan for the Centre.

The University of Essex’s vision for Healthcare Science

Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster said: "We have a very ambitious vision to make a significant difference to healthcare science education and training offered in the East of England. The scope of our plans stretches from apprenticeships and undergraduate degrees through to postgraduate study and Continuing Professional Development. Our vision is also to develop avenues for new and innovative research to ensure the healthcare science practice in the region is cutting edge, revolutionary and meets pressing clinical needs.

“Working with our partners in the NHS to increase education and training capacity in areas of vital need reflects our core mission. We are totally committed to making a difference through our education and research, particularly in the region in which we are based.

“Our links with our colleagues in the NHS and the wider public health sector are extremely important to us so I am very pleased our plans have been developed in partnership with colleagues at NHS England, the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS), and our neighbouring Integrated Care Systems and Trusts. This ensures we understand and meet our partners’ needs.

“Thank you to everyone involved in this project and I wish the Centre every success for the future. I will watch your progress with great interest and pride.”

To contact the Centre’s project team, email: healthcarescience@essex.ac.uk