Ahead of the Institute of Biomedical Science Day on 8th June, biomedical scientists from the Trust are sharing their passion for their career.
Members of the team have described their career journey and what inspired them to become biomedical scientists.
Often unseen, biomedical scientists are responsible for 70% of diagnoses in the NHS based on pathology results provided by laboratory services. Handling over 150 million samples in the UK each year, every person at some point in their lives will benefit from the services of a biomedical scientist.
The Trust Pathology service operates across two main sites; Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital, and consists of Blood Sciences, Cell Sciences, Infection Sciences and Point of Care Testing departments.
On Thursday, in partnership with University of Cumbria team members are sharing their passion at a careers event at Carlisle College on Thursday 8 June, 10am -2pm for a fun filled and informative day to celebrate Biomedical Science Day.
It’s open to all those who are interested, the event will shed a light on the work of a biomedical scientist, with interactive displays, demos, blood tests, genetic tests, tissue samples and much more. Discover the work of a Biomedical Scientist and get guidance and advice on how to make your first steps into this fascinating career.
Some of our staff tell us about their journey and why they chose careers in Biomedical Science.
Emma McKerr, Microbiology team manager said “‘I became a Biomedical Scientist because I wanted to learn more about how the body worked. I applied for Medicine at University with Biomedical Science as my backup option and it was definitely the right choice! I found Microbiology so interesting at University that I worked for a year as part of my degree in a microbiology laboratory to complete my IBMS registration portfolio. I had co-terminus graduation from University. I was appointed as a Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology in the Cumberland Infirmary as a very green team member. I was trained in all laboratory areas and became competent to analyse all sample types; urine, wound swabs, genital swabs, faeces, pus and other exudates, sterile fluids and blood cultures. I completed the Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology which is to prove that I have specialist knowledge in my chosen field and that allowed me to apply for a Supervisory role when it was available. During this time I was always completing CPD and reflecting upon the situations that occur and the learning that I have undertaken. I am now a Team Manager so I am responsible for the smooth running of the laboratory and future planning, as well as being the reference for technical knowledge for my colleagues to ask. I LOVE MY JOB”
Anna Wasilewska, Specialist Biomedical Scientist said “I work as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS) in the Infection Sciences department. I was always interested in biology and chemistry (and science in general!) and I was looking for a career in healthcare. That’s why I’ve chosen Biomedical Science! I like working in a laboratory setting and I find this job very interesting – you can literally learn something new every day and I’m really looking forward to improving my knowledge and skills. I also enjoy being a part of a team with Consultants, Medical Laboratory Assistants and other Scientists and working together to deliver excellent service. But most of all I love the fact that my job provides a great support for other healthcare professionals and that it contributes to better service for our patients."
Diana Kwangwari, Specialist Biomedical Scientist said “Becoming a Biomedical Scientist was always my childhood dream. I grew up in an environment where decent healthcare was a luxury, which most people could not attain. I witnessed a lot of my loved ones succumb to preventable/manageable ailments and I could not do anything to assist them. This fuelled my desire to pursue a career in Biomedical Science so that I could make a difference in someone else’s life no matter how small.
“I love what I do because I am passionate about helping and serving people. I believe that the work that I do has a positive impact on every patient’s life and that of their loved ones.
"Each day brings its own challenges, but working through the COVID-19 pandemic was a whole new level for myself and colleagues. It was a true test of dedication and resilience for us and it brought a lot of personal and professional growth.”
More about our pathology service
The Trust Pathology service operates across two main sites; Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital, and consists of Blood Sciences, Cell Sciences, Infection Sciences and Point of Care Testing departments.
The Blood Sciences department provides an extensive clinical diagnostic service, including Biochemistry, Haematology and Blood Transfusion.
The Cell Sciences department performs a range of tests on tissues and fluid samples to detect and diagnose disease, monitor disease progression or response to treatment. The offered services include investigations from the field of Histopathology, Cytopathology and Andrology. The department also incorporates the mortuary service.
The Infection Sciences department provides an extensive clinical diagnostic service, including bacteriology, virology, serology, parasitology, mycology and immunology. The department serves hospitals and primary care, provides infection prevention control services and advice. The department supplies epidemiological surveillance data to Public Health England.
The Point of Care Testing (PoCT) department overlooks all the laboratory tests conducted outside of the laboratory setting by appropriately trained non-laboratory staff. Although centralised laboratories offer a much wider range of tests, PoCT can offer a rapid turnaround time with an immediate impact on the patient care pathway.
Each of our teams include Consultants, Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA) and Assistant Practitioners (AP). On daily basis, we are handling variety of different specimen types: from blood, urine, faeces, tissues and swabs to CSF and corneal scrapes samples. We work together 24/7 to provide the best service and support for our colleagues and patients; both in the Trust and in the community.