Press release – issued 5 June 2025
2025/004

Hospital celebrates Biomedical Science Day with launch of school competition

Healthcare staff at Wye Valley NHS Trust have launched a poster competition for Herefordshire schools, as part of Biomedical Science Day, today 5 June, designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and celebrate the innovative work of medical laboratory professionals.

The competition, which is open to primary and secondary schools, is a great opportunity for pupils to use their creative skills to have fun designing their own Biomedical Scientist poster and learning about Biomedical Science. 

As part of Biomedical Science Day, today 5 June, the Trust’s Biomedical Science Team is hosting an interactive awareness stand at Hereford County Hospital’s main reception, which is providing staff, patients, and visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the essential work undertaken by Biomedical Scientists behind the scenes.  

Biomedical Science Day, is a national event organised by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).  Biomedical Scientists process patient samples, develop, validate and implement new tests, undertake research and service development, make essential reagents and components and manage the testing facilities needed to provide high quality healthcare to patients.

Andrea Johnson, Cellular Pathology and Microbiology Manager at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “Behind the scenes our Biomedical Scientists handle more than 7 million diagnostic tests per year, and work hard to develop our service with new technologies.  Biomedical Science Day is a perfect opportunity for us to connect with our community and celebrate the work our lab teams do to support patient care. This year, we’re especially excited to involve local schools to help young people explore careers in science through our competition.”  

Joanna Andrew, President of the Institute of Biomedical Science, added: “Biomedical Scientists play an indispensable role at the heart of healthcare. Biomedical Science Day helps raise awareness of their crucial contribution to patient care, from diagnosis through to treatment and monitoring.”

Schools in Herefordshire have been contacted directly about how to enter this poster competition. The winning Primary School pupil and winning Secondary School pupil will be invited to take part in a tour of the laboratory facilities at Hereford County Hospital to find out more about Biomedical Science, and those schools will receive a voucher for scientific resources. 

Photo 

Stand photo below taken at Hereford County Hospital main reception:

Left to right - Alana Henderson, Medical Laboratory Assistant and Olivia Yapp, Biomedical Scientist.

Hereford County Hospital lab staff photo below:

Left to right – Lee Phillips, Training Officer blood sciences and Jasmin Clark, Trainee Biomedical Scientist.  

END 

Notes to Editors WVT:

• Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider of health services across Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve.
• By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends.
• With an estimated annual turnover of around £185 million, we employ around 3,000 staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community.

For further information please contact:

Fiona Gurney, communications officer, or John Burnett, Communication and Engagement Manager, Wye Valley NHS Trust: 01432 372928