Mobile lab to teach islanders about pathology

A mobile virtual laboratory is due to arrive in Jersey next week to show islanders the lifesaving work that is undertaken by biomedical science staff at the General Hospital.　

Islanders will be able to board the Cepheid Xperience on Tuesday 2 July to learn about the technology which helps pathology staff identify, research, monitor and treat disease. The truck will be parked in Parade Gardens opposite the Hospital and the public are invited to drop-in for free throughout the day to see the equipment firsthand as well as to speak to staff about their work.　

The technology showcased on the truck plays a direct role in helping healthcare professionals to carry out their work combating hospital acquired infections and fighting antibiotic resistance.　

Biomedical science staff at the Hospital laboratory have organised for the truck, which tours the UK and Europe, to come to Jersey with the aim of informing islanders about the little-known work that is undertaken in their laboratory every day.　

Victoria Atherton, Laboratory Manager for Infection and Molecular Sciences, said: "Biomedical science is vital to modern healthcare, but most people do not know what we do within the labs. About 80 percent of doctors’ diagnoses are made through the work carried out by biomedical scientists, so we hope that by bringing the Cepheid Xperience to Jersey we can highlight what we do day-to-day and demonstrate that we ae at the heart of healthcare for all islanders."