ANDREW SMITH, MP for Oxford East, spoke to clinicians and patients at the Churchill Hospital today about the vital role science and technology plays in healthcare.

At an event organised by healthcare scientists from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Mr Smith said it was fantastic to see the brilliant work of scientists in our hospitals.

He added: “Patients are becoming increasingly aware that their diagnosis is linked to the work of scientists as well as doctors and nurses.

It’s critical that people understand the huge contribution that scientific and technical advances are making to patients’ treatment.

“This research is really saving lives”.

The event was part of Healthcare Science Week, an annual initiative to raise awareness of the important role clinical science plays in patient care.

Clinical science refers to scientific work that incorporates patient treatment and care such as engineering improved wheelchairs.

Charlotte Porter, a trainee clinical scientist who is currently working on improving cancer diagnostics, helped to organise the event at the Churchill Hospital.

She said: “We want to raise awareness of what we do. We’re often behind the scenes and a bit of an unseen force in healthcare. But so much of this work makes a direct impact.

“It’s really nice to show people that scientists are involved like this”.

Carol Anderson, whose husband was having a scan at the hospital, approached Mr Smith to say how impressed she was with the work of clinical scientists at the hospital.

“These youngsters are the future. I feel very strongly that there’s got to be more money put into the field”.