Cardiac sciences
Cardiac scientists work directly with patients, assessing those who have or are suspected to have heart disease. They measure the mechanical and electrical function of the patient's heart and interpret the results.
Clinical perfusion
Clinical perfusionists are an integral part of the team during major operations. They set up and control the equipment that supports the patient's heart and lungs.
The cardiothoracic service at UHS offers outstanding scope for clinical perfusionists to develop their skills and build their careers in a state-of-the-art environment. Once qualified, each of our perfusionists has the opportunity to undertake a research project. This allows them to play their part in extending the boundaries of clinical practice - and provides a foundation for future progression.
Critical care sciences
Critical care scientists provide scientific expertise across several areas of intensive care and are responsible for life support monitoring and therapeutic systems. Specialist knowledge and understanding of up to date scientific and technical principles is required. They work directly with patients, but also provide advice to medical and nursing staff about the safe and effective use of specialised equipment, as well as providing a maintenance and troubleshooting service.
Gastrointestinal physiology
GI physiology concerns all parts of the digestive tract from the oesophagus to the anus. The roles of a clinical scientist include performing clinical diagnostic tests on the oesophagus and anorectum, carrying out hydrogen breath testing for small bowel bacterial overgrowth and lactose intolerance, interpreting and reporting test outcomes, and treating pelvic floor dysfunction using 'biofeedback' therapy.
Respiratory science
Respiratory physiology involves the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease, assessing patients who may have a lack of oxygen to the lungs, airways and blood. Tests are carried out on patients using a variety of skills, techniques and equipment while they are at rest or during exercise.
Sleep science
Sleep scientists assess and monitor patients who have sleep related symptoms or disorders to identify problems that need treatment or long term care. Conditions such as sleep apnoea can be monitored either at home or in a sleep laboratory.
Vascular science
Vascular science relates to how blood flows in the body. Non invasive techniques can be used to image and assess the blood flow of patients with diseases of the arteries and veins. Vascular scientists carry out investigations to assist with diagnosing conditions including TIA, stroke, aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins.
Audiology
Audiology involves the assessment, management and therapeutic rehabilitation of children and adults with hearing and balance problems and associated disorders. As a healthcare scientist in audiology, your work will involve a variety of assessment techniques and rehabilitative provisions, in which hearing aids play a large role.
Neurophysiology
As one of the UK’s largest and busiest neuroscience units, the Wessex Neurological Centre (WNC) provides an integrated 24-hour acute neurosurgical and neurological assessment, investigation and treatment service to a population of more than three million people.Healthcare scientists at the WNC have the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of procedures, including:
Ophthalmic and vision science
Ophthalmic and vision science is the study of disorders of the vision, diseases of the eye and the visual pathway. Ophthalmic and vision scientists assess the structure and function of the eye to diagnose and treat eye disorders. Common conditions include glaucoma, cateracts and diabetic retinopathy.
Interested in a career in physiological sciences? View our current vacancies.