Many departments and services wouldn’t be able to function without them – and today, the role of Biomedical Scientists is being celebrated across the Black Country.

International Biomedical Scientist (IBMS) Day creates an opportunity to raise awareness of the work colleagues do in carrying out a range of laboratory and scientific tests to support the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Black Country Pathology Services (BCPS), which are made up of the four acute Black Country and West Birmingham NHS Trusts – The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (DGFT) and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust – are hosting a stall at Walsall’s Manor Hospital today to highlight the important role.

The pathology lab is where patient blood samples are sent to be tested to help diagnoses, treatment and monitoring of disease. Their analysis highlights key information to help put together what is happening in the body.

Hosted by Experienced Biomedical Scientist Angelina Fernando, 30, who is based in Haematology at Walsall, and Medical Lab Assistant Alex Wildsmith, 25, from Chemistry at Walsall, the stall is being held until 2pm next to the Fundraising Hub in the atrium of Walsall Manor Hospital.

Staff and the public can pick up free sweets, pens, bags and NHS keyrings and bottle openers. They will also have a chance to chat with Angelina and Alex and receive information about tests carried out in the laboratory as well as enter fun competitions to win a £15 Amazon voucher.

Angelina said: “We’re trying to raise awareness about the lab but more than that, helping service users and patients trying to get their test results done first time rather than having to be re-bled.

“We’re here today to talk to staff and patients and explain a little more about the work we do.”