Biomedical Science Day is here and we are celebrating the vital work of biomedical laboratory staff #AtTheHeartOfHealthcare. Hundreds of NHS and private healthcare laboratories are taking part and holding events today, so look out for their stands and events across the UK.
Biomedical scientists and laboratory staff handle over 1 billion samples in the UK every year – providing other healthcare professionals with the vital scientific information that allows them to make informed clinical decisions.
Their work also ensures that blood stocks are adequate at critical times, blood is matched to the right patients, patient conditions and their chemical changes are accurately monitored, and diseases are investigated, by analysing tumour samples and micro-organisms.
No day in a healthcare laboratory is the same and the work involves frequent and incredible leaps of innovation – all ensuring the right test for the right patient at the right time.
President of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Debra Padgett comments: ‘Since the pandemic, more people than ever understand that there are scientists in hospital laboratories testing their samples. However, there’s a lot more to it than testing for Covid. There is a huge array of special skills and expertise involved in the diagnostics services. The aim of Biomedical Science Day is to further inform the public about the amazing work that goes on in healthcare laboratories, and to celebrate our great profession.’
After two virtual Biomedical Science Days, this year’s events will be back in hospital foyers and other public forums, with social media activities also taking place throughout the day (follow #AtTheHeartOfHealthcare and #BiomedicalScienceDay2022). Some hospitals will be offering laboratory tours to the public.
IBMS Chief Executive David Wells, who as head of NHS England’s pathology services oversaw the COVID-19 testing programme, comments: ‘As we move forward, it is vital that we do not lose sight of the incredible work of our diagnostic services. The tests delivered by biomedical scientists are vitally important to ensure waiting times for almost every patient are kept to a minimum. We must ensure that new and innovative ways of delivering tests and the testing services at the heart of healthcare are supported and understood.’
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 analyse fluids and tissue samples from patients, identifying diseases and providing reports that highlight the effectiveness of potential treatments. In the UK, healthcare laboratories are involved in over 70% of diagnoses in the NHS and handle over 1 billion samples every year.
To protect public safety, anyone practising as a biomedical scientist must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and continue to meet their standards. For further information, please contact IBMS communications manager Dan Nimmo on 07729 970323 or at communications@ibms.org
About Biomedical Science Day and the IBMS
Biomedical Science Day is an annual awareness day hosted by the IBMS. It aims to inform the public and empower patients by telling them about practices in biomedical science, and celebrate a profession that is #AtTheHeartOfHealthcare.
By taking part in Biomedical Science Day hospital laboratory staff across the UK promote the vital role they play in a person’s healthcare throughout their lifetime and highlight the variety of expertise in their work to patients and the public.
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 further information, please contact IBMS Communications Manager Dan Nimmo on 07729 970323 or at communications@ibms.org
