UHNM Celebrates Double Win at NHS England Healthcare Science Awards
Two healthcare scientists from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) have been recognised by NHS England for their commitment to improving patient care, safety, and research.
Sarah Prescott, Lead MRI Clinical Scientist and Sam Butler, Lead Ultrasound and Deputy Lead MRI Clinical Scientist were honoured at the NHS England Midlands Healthcare Science Awards at a ceremony at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Sarah received the ‘Innovation Excellence’ award, while Sam was recognised with the ‘Emerging Talent’ award.
Sarah, who has worked at UHNM for 15 years, plays a vital role in ensuring MRI safety for patients at UHNM, particularly those with medical implants. Her work also includes optimising MRI scan techniques, developing faster imaging methods, and overseeing advanced imaging scans. She was recognised for her national leadership on a major initiative to standardise MRI safety protocols across NHS Trusts.
Sarah said: “At the moment, every trust approaches MRI safety differently, especially for patients with implants. This project is about creating a unified, national approach to improve patient safety and care.”
Sarah was nominated by Dr Jonathan Eatough, Head of Radiology Physics, her pivotal role in leading a national standardisation project which has already brought together over 35 experts in MRI to develop safety recommendations for MRI scanning in patients with implants.
Dr Eatough said: “Standardised approaches to implant scanning will reduce the burden on MRI departments, by reducing the need to search through notes for implant details. It will ensure that patients receive timely and consistent care, regardless of which hospital they attend. It will also improve access to MRI, by providing reassurance to sites who are less experienced with scanning implants, who may currently opt for an alternative imaging modality that uses ionising radiation, in cases where there is uncertainty over safety.”
Sarah said: “I'm incredibly proud to win this award, but it’s important to say this was a huge team effort. The support from colleagues at UHNM and across the country made it possible.”
Meanwhile, Sam was recognised after being nominated by Sarah for his outstanding contributions to both ultrasound and MRI services, and for his dedication to research and innovation.
Joining UHNM through the Scientist Training Programme in 2016 and qualifying in 2019, Sam is currently enrolled in the prestigious Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) scheme. His work focuses on quality assurance in ultrasound and pioneering research in MRI-based patient assessment.
Sarah said: “Sam has embraced every opportunity for growth and leadership. He’s a healthcare science research ambassador for the Trust, leads his own research project, and constantly seeks ways to improve patient care. It’s a pleasure to work alongside him, and this award is very well deserved.”
Sam said: “My ongoing research explores a non-invasive alternative to traditional fitness assessments for patients undergoing major surgeries, such as those with oesophageal, gastric or pancreatic cancers. Instead of using a physically demanding exercise bike test, my study investigates whether fat content in calf muscles, as measured by MRI, can predict a patient’s surgical fitness.
“Starting with no research experience, I’ve gone from zero to becoming a chief investigator on this project thanks to the incredible support of UHNM’s Centre for NMAHP Research and Education Excellence (CeNREE) and the surgical teams,”
“I’m proud of the progress we’re making and honoured to advocate for the role of healthcare scientists at UHNM.”