Hospital laboratories across the UK celebrate national awareness day

Following on from recent NHS 70 celebrations, hospital laboratories across the UK are opening their doors to the public to demonstrate that biomedical science is at the heart of their healthcare.  Through the analysis of blood, tissue and other samples, biomedical science staff produce the data on which doctors, consultants and surgeons plan treatments. Handling over 150 million samples each year, laboratory staff are responsible for 70% of all diagnoses in the NHS and yet their work is largely unknown to the public.

Biomedical Science Day is organised by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the professional body for biomedical scientists, laboratory support staff and students. The IBMS encourages biomedical science staff and students on IBMS accredited degree courses to celebrate Biomedical Science Day. It aims to raise the profile of biomedical science and to show that its role is at the heart of patients’ healthcare.

In only its second year, the awareness day has gained significant popularity amongst biomedical laboratory staff across the UK, with the majority of the profession planning to open the doors to their laboratories or organise events. This year 158 hospitals, NHS trusts and universities are taking part, with more events happening in school classrooms and career fairs.

Biomedical scientists typically work behind the scenes in hospital laboratories and are involved in the different stages of a patient’s journey. Whether a blood test, tissue biopsy or swab, any sample taken in hospital or at a GP’s surgery will be analysed by a biomedical scientist.

IBMS President Alison Geddis commented, “Despite many encounters with our work throughout their lifetime, most people are unaware of the important role of biomedical science in their healthcare.

The theme for Biomedical Science Day 2018 is ‘at the heart of healthcare’. It aims to highlight how the role of our members is central to patients’ healthcare as biomedical science produces the data on which doctors, consultants and surgeons base their diagnoses to plan a patient’s treatment.”