National Pathology Week in Plymouth

This week is National Pathology Week 2015, which is an annual event that runs from 2-8 November.

This year, staff at Derriford Hospital will be hosting an awareness stand on Friday 6 November, in the main concourse of Derriford Hospital, to promote the event and raise awareness of pathology.

The aim of the week is to celebrate pathology and to demonstrate the important contribution that pathologists make to healthcare through a programme of events aimed at people of all ages. Staff from biochemistry, microbiology, histocompatibility and immunogenetics, immunology, haematology and phlebotomy will be supporting the event and bringing with them hands-on interactive activities and display items to get people involved.

Dr Angie Cooper, Clinical Scientist at Derriford Hospital, said: “Pathology professionals play an absolutely vital role in providing healthcare services to each and every member of the public, but what we do isn’t well understood. Please come and visit us in the main reception area on level 6 to find out more about how we work with other healthcare professionals throughout the NHS to provide essential healthcare services, and grab a freebie whilst you’re there!”

Pathology services process millions of patient samples each year, including blood, urine, faeces, cells and tissues, swabs and other fluid samples. The results generated from these samples help other healthcare professionals and doctors diagnose conditions, suggest appropriate treatments and monitor treatment effectiveness. Pathology services are involved in more than 70% of all diagnoses and clinical decisions made in the NHS.

The event will be running from 10am–4pm and welcomes members of the public and staff to find out more and pick up a free wrist band, glittery bug, pens, stickers and much more.