Sarah Ward
Clinical Scientist in Rehabilitation Engineering at Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust
Have confidence in your skills, knowledge and the passion for your aspirations. However, big, small, or just totally random your ambitions may be, never let the perceptions of others stop you from achieving your goals.
About Sarah...
Who am I?
"Developer - I think it is hugely important to understand the needs of others, especially when working with a range of patients and families. I enjoy looking for how we can make things better, am curious to learn new skills, techniques and about new technologies and enjoy the challenge of problem solving to meet a patients needs.Influencer - I think one of my strongest skills is being diplomatic and being able to understand an empathise with a range of view points. When leading a team of a range of professionals this is needed to get a well rounded and balanced approach.Trainer - I am passionate about improving our skills and sharing knowledge to enhance the services that we provide."
What do I do?
"I am lead for our specialist electronic assistive technology clinics. My day involves working with a range of therapists, technicians and engineers to assess children with complex disabilities and trial or adapt equipment/specialist controls to aid them to communicate, access a computer/tablet or drive a powered wheelchair. It is incredibly rewarding to see the difference assistive equipment can make to an individual's life. I enjoy working with the child and their family to support them. "
How did I get here?
"I have always had an interest in healthcare and a passion to help others. Along with this I have found my greatest skills to be in problem solving. I therefore decided to study Medical Engineering at University, which combined both of these interests. On completion of my degree I found out about the NHS STP postgraduate training schemes to train to be a Clinical Scientist. I was lucky enough to apply and be chosen for a place in Rehabilitation Engineering. I completed the 3 year training and following this secured a permanent post at another specialist service."
The life I live
"In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors and running with my border collie. I am also pursuing a qualification in counselling skills as this is an area important to me. "
My typical day
"I am lead for our specialist electronic assistive technology clinics. My day involves working with a range of therapists, technicians and engineers to assess children with complex disabilities and trial or adapt equipment/specialist controls to aid them to communicate, access a computer/tablet or drive a powered wheelchair. "
My qualifications
"A level Maths, Biology, Geography and ArtBEng - 1st Class Honours in Medical EngineeringMSC - Clinical EngineeringNHS STP training to become HCPC qualified Clinical Scientist"