Healthcare staff from Wye Valley NHS Trust and students from the University of Worcester celebrated Biomedical Science Day, on 6 June, and the important role it plays in healthcare.
Wye Valley NHS Trust’s biomedical science team held an awareness stand for the public at Hereford County Hospital main reception on 6 June, and invited its healthcare workers and Biomedical Science students from the University of Worcester to take part in tours of the laboratory facilities to find out more about biomedical science.
Biomedical Science Day is a national event organised by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the UK’s professional body for biomedical scientists and laboratory staff.
The awareness day aimed to inform the public and empower patients by showcasing practices in biomedical science and celebrating a profession that is #AtTheHeartOfHealthcare.
Biomedical scientists process patient samples, develop, validate and implement new tests, undertake research and service development, make essential reagents and components and manage the testing facilities needed to provide high quality healthcare to patients.
Andrea Johnson, cellular pathology manager and interim microbiology manager at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “Biomedical Science Day is an excellent opportunity for us to strengthen relationships with our colleagues, patients, and the wider public.
“70 per cent of diagnoses in the NHS are based on pathology results provided by laboratory services.
“By sharing information on our services we are aiming to help people understand the vital role of biomedical science in healthcare.
“Behind the scenes our Biomedical Scientists handle 3.2 million diagnostic tests per year, and work hard to develop our service with new technologies, including digital pathology in cellular pathology to help provide quicker results and earlier diagnosis.”
Dr Amy Cherry, course leader for BSc Biomedical Science at the University of Worcester, said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for our Biomedical Science students to learn first-hand about the roles that they are training for and the vital part they will play in the patient journey.”
Joanna Andrew, President of the Institute of Biomedical Science, said: “This year’s Biomedical Science Day is particularly exciting as the IBMS will be launching a report on the role of biomedical scientists in the bowel cancer pathway.
“The findings highlight how early interventions by our members lead to significantly better outcomes for patients, showcasing the crucial impact of our work in healthcare systems.”
Photos
Left to right below: Worcester University Biomedical Science Students with Dr Amy Cherry, course leader for BSc Biomedical Science at the University of Worcester, and Andrea Johnson (far right), cellular pathology manager and interim microbiology manager at Wye Valley NHS Trust at Hereford County Hospital.
Left to right below: Worcester University Biomedical Science Students with Andrea Johnson, cellular pathology manager and interim microbiology manager at WVT, viewing digital pathology images.
Left to right below: Andrea Johnson, cellular pathology manager and interim microbiology manager at WVT with Worcester University Biomedical Science students cutting tissue sections at the microtome.
Left to right below: Dr Amy Cherry, course leader for BSc Biomedical Science at the University of Worcester with Worcester University Biomedical Science student viewing histology specimen under the microscope.
