Press release – issued 6 June 2024
2024/12

Hospital and University celebrate Biomedical Science Day

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.

Ends

Notes to the editor:

About biomedical science
Biomedical science is practiced in healthcare laboratories to identify, research, monitor, and treat diseases. As one of the broadest areas of modern science, it focuses on the complexity of the human body and underpins much of modern medicine.

Biomedical scientists and laboratory staff help our diagnostic services analyse over 1.5 billion samples in the UK every year, identifying diseases and providing reports that highlight the effectiveness of potential treatments. In the UK, diagnostic activity forms part of over 85% of clinical pathways.

To protect public safety, anyone practicing as a biomedical scientist must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and continue to meet their standards.

About Biomedical Science Day
Biomedical Science Day is an annual event held by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). With over 21,000 members in 74 countries, the IBMS is the leading professional body for scientists, support staff, and students in the field of biomedical science.

For over 100 years we have been dedicated to the promotion, development, and delivery of excellence in biomedical science within all aspects of healthcare, and to providing the highest standards of service to patients and the public.

For further details, contact the IBMS communications team via communications@ibms.org  

Notes to Editors WVT:

• Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider of health services across Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve.
• By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends.
• With an estimated annual turnover of around £295 million, we employ around 3,000 staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community.

For further information please contact:

Fiona Gurney, communications officer, or John Burnett, Communication and Engagement Manager, Wye Valley NHS Trust: 01432 372928