Ann-Hege keeps vital equipment running at the hospital
Wondering what it's like to work with technology that saves lives every day? Meet one of the few women who work with medical-tech equipment.
How about a job where you solve new challenges every day? A job where you combine technical knowledge with direct benefit to patients. It is not without reason that Eines has been in the job for over 20 years.
– We work with everything from anesthesia machines and surgical robots to X-ray equipment and pain pumps. The work often starts with advice when purchasing new equipment. This is followed by reception control, registration, training of users and linking to the hospital's monitoring systems.
– Daily maintenance and repairs require broad expertise. One day you're an electrician, the next a mechanic, maybe a plumber – and also an IT consultant. No two days are exactly the same," says the engineer.
New technology does not replace us
When asked what she thinks makes the profession so varied, she is clear:
– Our role is critical for patient safety. It is the medical-technical department that keeps the wheels turning at the hospital.
– One example is robotic surgery with live transmission to training rooms on the second floor. The surgeon operates on the fourth floor, while the doctors on the second floor follow in real time – with sound in both directions. Medical-technical engineers make this possible.
The engineer believes that the challenges often lie in getting old and new equipment to communicate. Then it pays to be an engineer and think outside the box.
– In that sense, I don't think that new technology will replace us either. On the contrary, there will be more to do. Someone has to install, maintain and streamline the equipment," she says.
Never finished training and a profession with meaning
For Ann-Hege, there is no doubt that the profession is rewarding. The job ensures that patients receive help and treatment.
She has a clear message for young people, especially girls, who may be a little scared or don't dare to challenge themselves enough.
– We need more women in the profession of medical-technical engineer. This is great fun. Try it. It is a profession where you get to contribute something important every day.