Cardiff Metropolitan University - BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science - Rob Barry & Leila Griffiths

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• published: 11 Oct 2015
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ROB & LEILA’S STORY Before coming to Cardiff Met, Rob Barry went straight from school into employment, but an interest in healthcare led him back to education and to a course that will allow him to pursue a career in the sector. Similarly, Leila Griffiths had always fostered an interest in science and patient care. In this brief interview, Rob and Leila tell us why they chose to study Healthcare Science; and give us an insight in to the real-world experience they’ve had whilst out on clinical placement in the NHS. Commenting on why he chose to study Healthcare Science, Rob said: “Healthcare has always interested me and learning about the human body and diseases and how they’re treated. When I left school I went straight into employment but wanted more knowledge, so I started to look for ways to develop and progress and found the Healthcare Science course.” Lelia added: “I’ve always been interested in healthcare and science and how it relates to the care of patients. Healthcare Science is similar to Biomedical Science, but the best thing about the healthcare course is that you actually get to go out there, experience what the jobs actually like and get a feel for working in a lab in the NHS.” Describing why he thinks the clinical placement is so valuable, Rob said: “Placement is a fundamental aspect of what we do and of the course, and we get a knowledge and experience that you wouldn’t normally get in university. You see actual laboratories running with real samples and real experiences. You can’t beat it when it comes to employability, because when you go to employers and can say; “I’ve been out and seen what it’s like. I’ve used these machines, I’ve used the techniques they’ve used in the labs”, it puts you in a great position.” Talking about her placement, Leila added: “I’ve spent my placement at Neville Hall Hospital in Abergavenny and at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport. I’ve had a fantastic time going around all of the departments and was able to experience microbiology and histology; the blood sciences that I’m specialising in: biochemistry, haematology and transfusion science…” “It’s been absolutely fascinating to see what actually goes on in the lab and see all the academic knowledge we learn here at university, actually put into practice.” Summing up his time at Cardiff Met, Rob said: I’ve loved it. I think it’s really good. The lecturers are so approachable, so there’s quite a nice community feel. The city is amazing and was a massive factor in my choice, but Cardiff Met itself is such a good place to be. Leila added: “We have a great community. Cardiff is small and has a great vibe. It’ fantastic to be in such a modern city.”