Katy Fleckney, Head of Radiation Physics at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, has been recognised for outstanding professional development in science by the Science Council.

Nominated for the award by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine following her 2022 CPD (continuing professional development) submission, Katy was invited to this year’s awards at Birmingham’s Science Museum. The evening celebrated science and the work of scientists, and Katy was announced as one of the winners of the CPD Awards for Chartered Scientists.

Katy leads the Trust’s Radiation Physics department, providing a scientific, clinical and technical service to Trust staff using ionising and non-ionising radiation. This includes Radiology and Nuclear Medicine teams, and the top-performing Kent Oncology Centre, as well as other health care providers across Kent and the south east.

The services the team provide include acceptance testing and commissioning of new imaging equipment, quality assurance, advice on imaging techniques and dose optimisation, the management of radioactive substances and regulatory compliance, the delivery of radioisotope therapies, emergency planning for radiation incidents, support for clinical trials, teaching and research. Healthcare scientists in the team support the safe use of ionising and non-ionising radiation for staff, patients and members of the public, providing specialist advice as required under UK legislation.

Reflecting on her achievement, Katy said: “I was surprised, but pleased, to win this award. It is fantastic to get recognition for something that you do already, but is often not given the priority it deserves due to service pressures. CPD is so important to make sure that you stay current with your role and develop professionally.”

Winners in the CPD Awards demonstrate a commitment to undertaking work-based learning and self-directed learning at the highest standards, to provide an outstanding service to both staff and patients.