Stephen McDonald, Advanced Biomedical Science Team Leader at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust’s (UHMBT) Furness General Hospital (FGH), has today (Thursday 20 June) been hailed the North West’s victor of the Institute of Biomedical Science’s “Champion of Biomedical Science Award 2019.”
He was nominated for the award by other biomedical scientists across the country for his dedication to the promotion, development and delivery of excellence in biomedical science.
Stephen, who has worked for the Trust for two years, manages a team of 15 biomedical scientists who run a 24/7 service, which analyses samples from the Emergency Department and wards across the site as well as those from GP surgeries across the South Lakes.
5.2 million tests per year are processed in the Biochemistry laboratories at FGH and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
Types of tests the team carries out include:
- Renal
- Drug monitoring
- Hormone
- Cardiac and tumour markers
- Vitamin B12 and D deficiencies.
Stephen said: “I’m very pleased to have received this award. This award is not just about me but is a reflection of the fantastic team of staff I have working with me.”
Janet Eglin, Technical Services Manager, Biochemistry, UHMBT, added: “This is a well-deserved award for Stephen, he works tirelessly to support the Biochemistry team and laboratory service provided at Furness General Hospital. He is a key member of our team planning and delivering high quality training and guiding the development of staff in the Blood Sciences laboratories in the Trust.
“This training and development is essential to ensure that our staff have the knowledge and skills needed to deliver a high quality service for the population of South Cumbria and North Lancashire.
“Stephen actively promotes Biomedical Science outside of the workplace whenever the opportunity arises, both to educate the general public about Pathology but also to inspire young people to join the profession. Stephen is always supportive of improvement projects and has been pivotal in the successful delivery of continuous quality improvements in the department since joining the team.”
Stephen will receive an award, certificate and a day pass to attend the Institute of Biomedical Science’s Congress.
Sue Smith, OBE, Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Chief Nurse, added: “Well done to Stephen on his award win and to the whole team for the hard work they put in every day to ensure the Trust offers the very best care to our patients.”
Today is officially Biomedical Science Day (Thursday 20 June) which celebrates and supports staff and students in the field of biomedical science. The annual event aims to inform the public and empower patients by telling them about practices in biomedical science and celebrating a profession that is at the heart of healthcare.
You can find out more about Biomedical Science Day here https://www.ibms.org/biomedical-science-day/
You can find out more about the Institute of Biomedical Science’s awards here https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/champion-of-biomedical-science-awards/
