International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated around the world on 11th February. The day is an important reminder of the critical roles that women and girls play within science and technology. It's an opportunity to promote roles in these fields and encourage others to participate and get involved in science!
Within SaTH, we have a wide team of healthcare scientists working across our sites, including a number of Biomedical Scientists.
Biomedical Scientists are based in laboratories and investigate a wide range of clinical conditions from blood disorders and cancer to hepatitis and meningitis, providing results critical to patient care.
Amber Haynes, Biomedical Scientist in Haematology and Blood Transfusion, shares a little about her role;
"I work within a large and diverse team to provide a 24/7 service to patients within SATH and the surrounding areas. Each day, as part of a larger Pathology department, we process thousands of samples, producing accurate results in a timely fashion to help clinicians diagnose disease and monitor treatment response."
"In my role I have helped to detect conditions such as iron deficiency anaemia, acute leukaemia and malaria. Additionally, my role in Blood Transfusion means that I help to provide safe blood products to patients who require them, such as those undergoing operations and intensive cancer therapies."
"No two days are the same and everyday something new can be learned."
"I would encourage anyone interested in science who has a desire to help others to consider a career in this field. I am thrilled to see so many women in this field and I am truly lucky to have excellent female role models in my department."
Also working within this field at SaTH are our fantastic Phlebotomy team! Phlebotomists are an instrumental part of the NHS, taking blood samples from patients to help diagnose diseases and conditions.
Meet just some of our Phlebotomy team below:
Andrea Granger, Assistant Operations Manager Pathology, along with some of the phlebotomy team!
"I started my career as a medical laboratory assistant 23 years ago. At the time this included phlebotomy. I loved the mix of interacting with patients and then following the sample through to the diagnosis. From there I became a technical support scientist and rotated between Biochemistry, Haematology, and blood bank. This was an exciting time for me being part of a great team and knowing that I was contributing to help diagnose, treat, and monitor patient’s conditions."
"Although I contemplated becoming a Biomedical Scientist, I decided on the route of management. First managing the phlebotomy team and then onto my current role as Assistant Operations Manager. Managing such an exceptional group of staff is very rewarding and I still get to see our lovely patients. As you can see from my working life, pathology is a great career path. There are plenty of opportunities to progress."
Katie Williams, Specimen Reception Manager
"I enjoy my role as Specimen Reception Manager as no two days are the same. There is always a challenge and something new to learn. The main thing that gives me and the Reception teams at RSH and PRH a great deal of satisfaction is being able to play an important role in the care of the patients. The Medical Laboratory Assistants are often the unsung heroes as their role is not patient-facing, but they do an incredible amount of work in the background to ensure that the samples are processed in a timely manner and the patients get their test results promptly. They are a valuable asset to the Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners."
"In my 9 years of managing Reception, it has been rewarding to see so many staff progress into other roles in the department and to know that I have played a part in that through the training that has been delivered."
Jaime Brown, Phlebotomist (left)
"I am a phlebotomist. I take blood samples from patients in the hospital and outpatients. I enjoy my job because I get to help people and provide the service needed for their care. It makes me feel valued and trusted."
Kathryn Butcher, Phlebotomy Supervisor (right)
"I enjoy my role as phlebotomy supervisor as it is such a rewarding job. Every day is different and varied despite the role being the same. I also work with the most amazing team. It is always a pleasure to come to work and I am grateful for all of the opportunities I have been given."
