Publish date: 6 June 2025
‘Behind the scenes’ NHS pathology team showcases vital role on Biomedical Science Day
Staff at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust were given a rare look inside the world of diagnostic science this week, as the trust’s pathology team opened its doors to mark Biomedical Science Day (Thursday, 5 June).
The open-day event, at North Tyneside General Hospital, also celebrated the completion of a major laboratory refurbishment at the site – a significant upgrade that will support faster and more efficient diagnostic testing for patients across the region.
Pathology, the study and identification of disease, plays a central role in healthcare, underpinning around 85% of clinical pathways in the UK. From blood and tissue analysis to microbial testing, pathology is often a crucial first step in diagnosing and treating patients.
The event allowed colleagues from across the trust – from clinicians to corporate services – to step inside the laboratories and learn more about the science they rely on every day.
The trust’s services within pathology include:
- Clinical chemistry - analysis of chemicals and hormones in blood and other fluids
- Microbiology - detection and investigation of infections
- Haematology - the study of blood disorders
- Histopathology - diagnosis of disease in tissue and cells
- Blood transfusion, toxicology, and mortuary services
‘Patient care is a team effort’
Debra Padgett, clinical pathology lead and lead healthcare scientist at Northumbria Healthcare, said: “We have not done anything like this before, but with the recent refurbishment of our labs, it felt like the perfect time to invite our colleagues in and show them what goes on behind the scenes.
“Patient care really is a team effort, and our pathology teams play a critical role, carrying out more than 12 million tests a year for our colleagues in our hospitals and those in primary care, such as GP practices.
“It was fantastic to see such interest from across the organisation and to officially mark the completion of this important upgrade.”
The refurbishment project was delivered in partnership with Beckman Coulter, which provides testing equipment for laboratories across North Tyneside and three other hospital sites within the trust.
‘A perfect testament to our shared values’
Jose Crespo, General Manager for the UK, Ireland, Italy and Spain for Beckman Coulter, said: "Biomedical Science Day provides a crucial opportunity to celebrate the indispensable contributions of biomedical scientists and laboratory professionals – the foundation of healthcare. We believe the UK's dedicated national day serves as powerful inspiration for other nations to recognise the vital global impact of laboratory medicine.
“Celebrating this significant day together with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, marked by the formal opening of their state-of-the-art refurbished laboratory, is a perfect testament to the shared values and collaborative spirit driving our partnership.”