A team from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have won a top award after leading a training programme which has created more opportunities for people across the region to start careers in healthcare science.
The Yorkshire and Humber Apprentice Implementation Group, which is chaired by Mandy Scott from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, picked up the first prize in the prestigious Shirley Fletcher Apprenticeship Award at the National Healthcare Awards in recognition of the outstanding contribution it has made in developing the healthcare science workforce of the future.
As well as helping to ensure apprentices gain first-hand experience in their chosen careers at NHS hospitals and services across Yorkshire and the Humber, people wanting to pursue a career in healthcare science or those already working in the field can access direct training and gain formal qualifications through dedicated programmes run by The Sheffield College, Sheffield Hallam University and other education providers in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Since the apprenticeship scheme has been running, more than 120 people have been offered apprenticeship positions, with 80% going on to achieve employment by the end of their placement.
Healthcare scientists are involved in 80% of all clinical decisions made in the NHS, helping to prevent, diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions.
Depending on their specialism staff within the healthcare science workforce can diagnose and help to investigate disease, guide treatment through the production of high quality images, undertake laboratory testing and ensure that medical equipment is working safely and correctly. They also undertake research and innovation and conduct a wide variety of clinical tests and treatments.
Dr Harriet Crook, lead healthcare scientist for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to have won this prestigious award. Healthcare science is an interesting and varied career offering good employment prospects.
"This award not only recognises all of our amazing apprentices but also the team who have worked so hard to develop the talents of our apprentices and create a sustainable workforce that will provide stability for healthcare sciences in the region and the patients they serve.”
Mandy Scott, apprentice lead for healthcare science for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, added: “The career framework we have developed for apprentices in healthcare science now offers people of all ages entering the profession the opportunity to potentially enter as a level 2 apprentice and rise to the top of the healthcare science career ladder.”
