We are celebrating Biomedical Science Day on Thursday 24th June by sharing facts about this crucial but very much behind the scenes NHS service.
Biomedical Science is the way we make diagnosis using biology and chemistry in healthcare. In north Cumbria our laboratories undertake the analysis of literally millions of samples every year and are internationally renowned for excellent practice.
At NCIC there are four laboratories which cover three biomedical sciences. Every three months nearly two million samples of blood, tissues and fluids are analysed in our labs providing vital timely diagnosis for our patients.
Debra Padgett Infection Sciences Operational Manager explained;
“Our labs test all the swabs, tissue samples and blood samples from not only the hospital service but from all community services, including district nursing and sexual health, and from all north Cumbria GP practices. I think a lot of people would assume that samples are analysed where they are taken but they all come to our labs at either the Cumberland Infirmary or the West Cumberland Hospital. We cover blood sciences, cell science and infection sciences.”
- Blood sciences: Analysing blood samples to look for abnormalities. In west Cumbria the blood science laboratory provide urgent testing for the A&E and the wards at the West Cumberland Hospital. They work closely with the blood science laboratory in Carlisle and between the two laboratories they deal with more than 1.5 million blood samples every quarter. Blood Sciences incorporates transfusion which identifies blood groups for blood donation, ensures the correct grouped blood is matched to the patient due to receive the donation, and makes sure blood stocks are adequate for critical incidents such as road traffic accidents, operations and cancer treatments.
- Cell sciences: Analysing biopsies and other tissues to understand and diagnose abnormalities.
- The cell science laboratory is based at the Cumberland infirmary. They analyse all biopsies and tissue samples from across the county and are vital in diagnosing things such as cancer. Around 80,000 samples every year are analysed by the scientists in these labs.
- Infection sciences: Analysis of fluids, swabs and tissues to identify infections, including COVID-19.
The infection science laboratories are also based at the Cumberland Infirmary and have been vital in the response to COVID-19 – however they were busy before the pandemic, analysing around a quarter of a million samples every three months. This figure has increased dramatically since COVID-19 appeared.
The biomedical science laboratory are renowned nationally and internationally.
Debra Padgett explained: "We have built up our reputation over a number of years and now we are incredibly proud to be nationally recognised as an international reference laboratory for respiratory fungal conditions. This means we are sent samples from oversees to analyse for certain respiratory fungal conditions, they are sent to us because of our reputation and ISO accreditation. We are also a regional reference centre which means we are the lab of choice for analysis for certain services such as chlamydia screening.
“Each of our labs is also UKAS accredited which gives an assurance of competence, impartiality and integrity of our work.
“I am incredibly proud of all our scientists who daily work away often in the background providing a vital service to our patients.”
Meet some of our biomedical scientists!
Some of our scientists explain their career highlights, their role models and their secret talents!
Successes: I recently passed my registration portfolio, I can now call myself a state registered Biomedical Scientist.
The Best thing about my Job: The best part of my job is working an on call shift this is because it demonstrates the importance of what I do as well as provide a sense fulfilment to know that I have played a part in saving a person's life. This is the greatest feeling in the world.
Why I became a Biomedical Scientist: As a child I always had an interest in bacteria and viruses, how they work and cause disease. Being a Biomedical Scientist provides an avenue for me achieve this as well as use the knowledge I gained to play a role in saving a life or improving the health of an individual.
My Role Model: My role model is one of my team leaders, Mr David Biddles because he is not only a fountain of knowledge but also experience, There is so much I can learn from him that could ultimately make me better at my job.
Secret talent: I can somewhat sing
Your training (or other) successes this year: I recently completed a literature review and innovation project proposal, which is required as part of the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme. This work highlighted an unmet need within our region and I am now hoping to implement this project in the coming months.
The best thing about your job / role: I like that there is a lot of variety within my job as a Clinical Scientist. My main role is focussed around clinical work, such as results interpretation and clinical advice, and the knowledge that I am directly contributing to patient care is very rewarding. I also do a lot of work on the quality side, for example ensuring all our tests are performing as they should be and any new testing platforms are appropriate for use, and identifying any potential quality improvements that could be made. I do still get to spend some time with my lab coat on too which is great.
What made you become a scientist: I studied Biomedical Sciences at University and really enjoyed the lab practical sessions so knew I wanted to do something lab-based after I finished my degree, and I was keen for that to be within a healthcare setting rather than academia or industry. My dissertation project supervisor suggested applying for Clinical Scientist training (which has since become the NSHCS Scientist Training Programme), which gave me the opportunity to study for an MSc in Medical Immunology alongside on-the-job training in an NHS immunology laboratory, which sounded perfect! Through this I was able to gain experience of laboratory techniques whilst developing my knowledge of clinical immunology and also get involved in some research and development projects.
Who is your role model and why: It’s not a specific individual, but during my training I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing women who managed to juggle high-pressured jobs, studying for exams, completing PhDs, bringing up tiny humans and much more, all with a smile on their face and time to help trainees like me along the way. So I would say they have all been pretty good role models!
What is your secret talent? It’s not so much a talent (or a secret!) but in my spare time I love doing triathlons! I also bake a pretty good courgette cake...
Your training (or other) successes this year: This year I have taken a Specialist Biomedical Scientist role in Microbiology to support the Management team in training, rolling out new technology and maintaining the high standards that ensure we provide the best service for our patients. I was seconded to the Virology team for four months earlier this year to provide leadership support in that Department during the second wave of COVID-19 cases and it was an inspirational experience to integrate within that team and be part of processing hundreds of samples a day.
The best thing about your job / role: The best thing about my role is the variety! One day I can be processing routine samples, then I can be training or learning about a new technology or methodology that we are going to implement. It is amazing to know that I can rise to every challenge given to me.
What made you become a Biomedical Scientist? I actually wanted to study medicine and University and Biomedical Science was my "back up" - I started my degree and within weeks knew that Microbiology was what I wanted to specialise in.
Who is you role model and why: My career role model is Infection Sciences Operations Manager Debra Padgett. She has worked from the bottom up learning (and absolutely owning!) every role from lab assistant to her current role, as well as being an outstanding friend. She has inspired me to always try and see things from all angles and points of view in whatever situation I am in, personal or professional, and she is the most organised person I ever met and that is my benchmark. I have learned a lot from her.
What is your secret talent? My secret talent is making things with crochet. I love making blankets and experimenting with different colours and designs.
Your training (or other) successes this year: The whole team have had to adapt their working hours and role to provide the COVID-19 service which has meant a whole new way of working! Expanding our team means I have been busy in my role as Training Lead, assisting 3 Biomedical Scientists to HCPC registration.
I have also completed my IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Training and NHS course in Education and Leadership via online learning which have kept my skills current and enabled me to network with other professionals.
The best thing about your job / role: Watching the trainee members of staff fall in love with the profession and take pride in their work! As well as seeing the impact our work has on patient care.
What made you become a biomedical scientist? I always had an interest in Science at school and wanted to work in healthcare. I was lucky enough to do my work experience at the Cumberland Infirmary 11 years ago and never looked back!
Who is you role model and why: I have had several role models, leaders and coaches throughout my career who have enabled me to achieve my goals and role which I am in today.
I am grateful to work within and alongside successful teams who always provide support and encouragement.
What is your secret talent? My talent/hobby is my role as assistant Dance Teacher at a local dance school which I am lucky to do… pursuing my love of the performing arts.
Your training (or other) successes this year: Implementation of POCT Covid analysers both PCR and antigen testing. Training 56 members of staff on the PCR analyser and 160 on the antigen analysers (Lumira). We’ve generated in total (to date) 2146 PCR tests and 6676 Antigen tests, all assisting in moving patients through the Trust.
The best thing about your job / role: I love the variety and working with clinical teams, ensuring that patients are being tested at the point of care with governance and quality behind it.
What made you become a biomedical scientist? I loved science at school, but enjoyed biology more than chemistry. A weeks work experience at Middlesbrough Path Labs and I was hooked. However, I didn’t get rid of the chemistry.
Who is you role model and why: Rosalind Franklin, her pioneering work looking at the structure of DNA and RNA is still being used today.
What is your secret talent? Campfire singing
Your training (or other) successes this year: Helped establish the first COVID testing service outside of PHE.
The best thing about your job / role: Being able to contribute to the health and welfare of patients
What made you become a biomedical scientist: To be at the scientific forefront of healthcare.
Who is you role model and why: Dr Tony Todd, who had built the Carlisle virology and immunology service from the ground up. He always seemed to have some sort of Jedi-level knowledge of everything (and nothing).
What is your secret talent? You know. *Wink*
My success this year: Becoming one of the MLA team leaders and completion of the Staffordshire university COVID course.
The best thing about my job role: The opportunity to promote change for the continuing improvement of the pathology service.
What made me become a medical laboratory assistant: To pursue a career in Biomedical science.
Who is your role model: I don't have a specific role model however I do take inspiration from intelligent, strong and successful women such as Deborah Meaden and I have a lot of admiration for Climate change campaign David Attenborough too.
What is my secret talent: Not sure I really have a secret talent but not bad at xbox games!