Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Biomedical Science students selected to work at local hospital during degree
The 40 first-year students were given a tour of the Pathology Labs at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) and had the opportunity to ask questions about the role of an NHS Biomedical Science Support Worker. Students were also able to get hands-on and process a mock patient sample, record accurate data and complete a Health and Safety awareness session.
Sixteen of them have been selected to work as Biomedical Science Support Workers – this will run alongside their degrees. They will work at LGI over the summer and then continue when they start the second year of their degree. The hours they work will be adapted to fit around their course and their commitments. They will be able to continue to work throughout their degree, and it’s hoped that the next cohort of first year students will get the same opportunity.
Professor Jim Boyne, Head of Biomedical Sciences at Leeds Beckett said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain valuable paid experience, throughout their studies, working with the NHS pathology services.
“The opportunity to gain hands on experience of receiving and working with clinical samples will build on and strengthen the knowledge gained through taught classes at LBU, whilst the NHS certificate summarising their accomplishments will help with future employability.
“For those students seeking employment as a Biomedical Scientist following their graduation, this training and experience can be included in IBMS Registration Portfolios regardless of the route taken.”
The chosen students will be carrying out a variety of tasks in their new role including processing and testing certain clinical samples, preparing samples prior to processing, collecting, receiving, sorting and administration of samples and documentation, and entering and retrieving patient information using the laboratory computer system.
Holly Avington, a first year Biomedical Science student, is one of those who has been chosen:
“The employability team at Leeds Beckett helped me secure a lab job to run alongside my course. They organised an opportunity to go into the labs and see what the job was about and to meet likeminded people in my position. It was so insightful and with their support, I was lucky enough to secure the role. Thank you!”
To find out more about studying Biomedical Sciences click here.