A Student Perspective on Clinical Engineering Preventative Maintenance

Kate Byrne is a 22-year-old full-time student currently studying a BSc in Physics and Medical Physics with Bioengineering at TU Dublin. Kate is commencing her final year in September 2023. Kate has completed the studies of her poster while undergoing a work placement programme in the Clinical Engineering department of Tallaght University Hospital between January and July of 2023.

As a medical physics student who has learned the physics behind major medical equipment over the last 3 years, a hospital setting has always been the most appealing for conducting a 3rd-year work placement programme.

Through Technological University Dublin I contacted the Clinical Engineering department of Tallaght University Hospital. Following a departmental tour, a placement position was fortunately offered, having no knowledge of the career or the workings of such a department or the profession

This was a unique opportunity to experience the role of a Clinical Engineer in all hospital areas, from short-term areas such as patient wards and the Emergency Department, to high-dependency units, such as the ICU, CCU and the Operating Theatres.

There was an opportunity to be involved in minor and major projects, such as the Preventative Maintenance testing on all IV infusion pumps and syringe pumps.

Invaluable knowledge was gained on the significant role of a Clinical Engineer in a hospital environment. Working as part of a team and working with multi-disciplinary teams for the common goal of patients.

It has become a career goal following graduation in 2024.