Healthcare Science and Technology (HCST)
HCST is a service line department with University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust and is based within Derriford Hospital.
Our service includes:
Our vision for the HCST service line
Our mission is to provide advanced healthcare science and technology services to patients and clients within University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP), through the integration of innovative practices and rigorous standards across diverse specialties, including Radiotherapy Physics, Clinical & Radiation Physics, Clinical Engineering, Sterilisation & Disinfection Unit and Clinical Measurement & Innovation.
We strive to enhance patient care and safety by upholding excellence in quality management and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By supporting inter-disciplinary collaboration we aim to drive forward the frontiers of medical science and technology.
We are dedicated to implementing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to ensure the highest standards of clinical practice and outcomes. In Radiotherapy Physics we focus on precise and effective cancer treatments; our Clinical & Radiation Physics team works diligently to optimise patient diagnosis and restrict exposure to colleagues working with ionising radiation as low as reasonably practicable. We work with the Trust Board and other partners supporting innovative care pathways across wider healthcare systems. Through advancements in nuclear medicine we enhance diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. Clinical Engineering and Sterilisation & Disinfection Unit ensure the reliability and safety of medical devices and surgical instruments. Bone Densitometry provides critical insight for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, the MRI and non-ionising Radiation Physics team supports adoption of best clinical scientific practice to optimise outcomes including patient safety, while our expertise in Scientific Computing underpins the efficient management and analysis of clinical data.
Together we commit to a mission of innovation, quality and collaboration to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes across all aspects of our field, both within UHP and in support of our partners across the South West peninsula.
