Almost £3 million has been invested in creating a new Blood Sciences Laboratory at Sandwell Hospital to help speed-up the diagnosis of patients.
The laboratory, which uses state-of-the-art equipment to analyse samples quickly and accurately, was officially opened today (Wed 22 Jan) by leading pathologist and author Dr David Burnett.
The former microbiology and histopathology laboratories at the West Bromwich hospital have been refurbished into a large open plan space where new modern robotic analysers and equipment have now been installed.
In a modern clinical laboratory there are very different styles of working, from detailed work on a few samples to high volume analysis using high-tech robotic machines.
In the new Blood Sciences Laboratory robots and conveyor tracks are now being used to help cope with increasing demand by reducing the cost of testing and minimising errors.
More than 7,000 samples a day are processed producing around 30,000 test results a day.
The facility, which offers a seven day a week, 24 hour service, is staffed by a team of scientists, doctors and laboratory support workers.
They test samples from the Trust’s inpatients and outpatients as well work from GPs, helping in the diagnosis of everything from cancers, to HIV and vitamin deficiencies.
The new facility at Sandwell is an investment of just under £3 million by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust (SWBH).
This is the first of two phases of reconfiguration of the laboratories designed to fit with the needs of the proposed new Midland Metropolitan Hospital, which will see microbiology, specialist laboratories and eventually the histopathology laboratories also being transferred to the Sandwell site.
At the opening Toby Lewis, Chief Executive of SWBH, said “We are investing in one of our strengths with the opening of the new Blood Sciences Laboratory.
“Local GPs know the value of the high quality, quick turnaround service offered by our teams.
“As we look to integrate care in Sandwell and in West Birmingham, diagnostic services have to be at the forefront.
“I am delighted that another promise made in Right Care, Right Here, is being fulfilled.”
Dr Jonathan Berg, Pathology Director at SWBH, said: “This investment in infrastructure and equipment ensures that we are offering an up to date and relevant service to our patients.”