Introduction 

Few people go to hospital, or even their GP, without an imaging investigation or the application of an electronic medical device. All of this equipment has been developed by scientists and engineers working in university, industry or hospitals, frequently with groups of scientists working together across organisational boundaries.

Many IPEM members work to facilitate, innovate and interpret and all have a strong focus in their work on ensuring patient safety.
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Those who facilitate ensure that the right equipment is in the right place at the right time. Their understanding of the technology enables them to advise clinicians and Trust Managers when new equipment is being purchased. Many clinical engineering technologists maintain and monitor the performance of equipment and some train staff and patients to use them correctly and safely.

Innovative service development in as increasingly important role for both physicists and engineers as the Trusts seek to develop new, more clinically and cost effective clinical services. Some members have a key role in translational research by linking relevant university departments and private companies undertaking the research and product development to relevant colleagues in the clinical environment where carefully controlled trials can be conducted. As new clinical services become established physicists and engineers in Clinical Technologist roles frequently provide these services as advanced practitioners.

Some Clinical Scientists in hospitals provide consultant advice on the interpretation of complex imaging investigations and therapies. They may also prescribe, for example, specialist seating for wheelchairs or develop complex plans for radiotherapy treatment of cancer.