Research and Innovation Celebrates Healthcare Science Week 2024

Healthcare sciences represents over 50 specialties in the NHS, which provide new technologies and diagnostics that directly benefit and improve patient care.

Read about some of the staff within the Research and Innovation team at the Trust who are part of the healthcare science professions.

Colin Hale, Laboratory Manager

Colin is the Laboratory Manager at the NIHR Liverpool Clinical Research Facility, based at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT (LUHFT).

After graduating from Lancaster University with a degree Biochemistry in 2005, Colin moved back to Liverpool to begin his careers as a lab technician. Colin joined LUHFT in 2015 as part of the research team, progressing to the role of Lab Manager.

Colin said: “My role is challenging and enjoyable. It’s a fast paced, busy environment. I work with a great team and really enjoy how varied the work can be.

“We’re responsible for handling and processing a large number of patient trial samples.

“I genuinely feel what we do on the unit makes a difference and helps improve patient outcomes, conducting highly complex trials.

“The lab work we do is a vital part of this and it’s rewarding to know that the analysis done on the samples we process will contribute to the help develop new drugs and treatments.”

Dr Christine Denby, Principal Clinical Scientist (MRI & Clinical Engineering), education and training lead for medical physics and clinical engineering

Dr Christine Denby is born and bred in Liverpool and has spent her career working in clinical research at the Universities of Liverpool and Manchester.

Christine then went on to complete the Clinical Scientist training scheme specialising in MRI and Clinical Engineering and has been with the Trust for over 16 years.

Dr Denby said: “I have a very diverse role, which includes supervising trainee clinical scientists, lecturing at the University of Liverpool, working on clinical trials, applying for research grants, writing up research manuscripts and supporting research applications.

“Working in health sciences makes me feel that I’m making a difference, especially when trials are up and running for our patients, and also helping to train and educate future clinical scientists.”

Christopher Walls, Laboratory Technician 

Christopher joined Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT nearly two years ago following a career in various sectors as a scientific technician. His role at NIHR Liverpool Clinical Research Facility involves a mix of hands-on work in the labs and administrative work.

Christopher said: “It’s exciting to work in health sciences and knowing that I am part of the greater effort to create improved and more specialised treatments for various conditions and illnesses, which ultimately will lead to better patient outcomes in the future.

Our team work well together, it helps to know I work with likeminded people who also share a passion for health sciences.”

Tristan Payne, Clinical Scientist and Senior Innovation Manager

Tristan’s career has taken him to many different places all around the world, from a small hospital in sub-Saharan Niger in West Africa, to now working as part of the research and innovation team at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

On completing his PhD, Tristan began his career in engineering in the NHS. Following this, he then started the national scientist training programme in Liverpool alongside his role.

On completing his PhD, Tristan began his career in engineering in the NHS. Following this, he then started the national scientist training programme in Liverpool alongside his role.

Tristan said: “My role in Innovation is incredibly varied, but is centred around new technology – where patients, staff, the hospital and beyond can benefit from its use.

“I spend lots of time interacting with all sorts of people in the organisation, sometimes at senior levels, to understand the need and figure out how best to support as a Clinical Scientist.”

Alexandra Callaway, Clinical Scientist

Alexandra completed her undergraduate degree in Physics (BSc) at University of Leicester and then went on to complete the Scientist Training Programme in Clinical Engineering

In addition, Alexandra also completed a Master’s Degree in Clinical Engineering (MSc) at King’s College London. 

Alex said: “I am currently based across two services: Visual Electrodiagnostic Service (St Paul’s Eye Unit) and Vestibular Function Testing (Clinical Engineering). 

“The majority of my role is clinic-based, however a portion of my role is dedicated to teaching & training, and research. 

“I enjoy working with patients, I can spend up to 2 hours at a time with a patient carrying out testing in our outpatient appointments, it’s important to be able to build a rapport with them, ensuring they feel safe and at ease. 

“By continuing to research, we can continue to learn and understand different areas of healthcare to improve how we care for and treat our patients.”

Callum Kelly, Senior Laboratory Technician

After coming to Liverpool for university in 2016, Callum graduated and began his career at Liverpool Hospitals NHS FT as a laboratory Technician.

Callum undertook placements on the NIHR Liverpool Clinical Research Facility as part of his studies before later joining the team in 2018.

Callum said: “My role is very active, overseeing multiple clinical trials from a lab perspective. From quality control to attending Investigator meetings abroad, every day is different and has new challenges. 

“Being part of research in healthcare, you get to see the direct influence you can have on a patient’s life, even if it’s through the laboratory doors.

“Through the years I have been able to see new medications reach market and be on shop shelves, knowing that I was a part of the research leading to that is very rewarding.”

Poppy Fenn, Laboratory Technician

Starting as a Medical Laboratory Assistant on the NHS bank, Poppy decided to develop her career in healthcare sciences by studying Biomedical Science in her hometown of Liverpool, at Liverpool John Moore’s University.

In November 2023, she joined the team at the NIHR Liverpool Clinical Research Facility (CRF) as a Laboratory Technician which involves processing, storing and shipping of samples from patients and participants who are taking part in clinical research trials.

In addition to her role, Poppy is also a member of LUHFT’s LGBT+ staff network helping and supporting colleagues around the Trust. Her aim is open discussions about equality, diversity and inclusivity within research amongst both patients and staff.

Poppy said: “I enjoy learning about the variety of clinical trials currently active on the unit.

“I feel that I am encouraged to pursue and explore all training and learning opportunities which are presented to me. Undertaking a mixture of practical and administrative work keeps me feeling refreshed, as no two days are the same, and I enjoy that aspect.

“It’s important to look into the future as improvements of existing medicines and the introduction of new therapies                                     can greatly benefit patients in terms of quality of care.”

To find out more about research and innovation at our Trust, click here.