Over the past year the Pathology Department at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) has worked closely with its managed service contract provider Beckman Coulter UK to refresh all main automated equipment in the Biochemistry service at Furness General Hospital (FGH).
A staggering 5.2 million tests per year are processed in the Biochemistry laboratories at FGH and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
The equipment has been upgraded as part of the contract with the company and will improve the efficiency of Biochemistry at FGH and produce safer, more accurate results.
The new equipment includes:
· Two clinical chemistry analysers (AU 5800), which process up to 2,000 tests per hour, including renal tests and drug monitoring
· Two access immunoassay systems (UniCel DxI 800), which run up to 400 tests per hour including hormone tests, cardiac and tumour markers and tests for vitamin B12 and D deficiencies
· A more environmentally friendly cold room, which replaces several fridges
· A new blood gas analyser (ABL90 flex) which tests oxygen, carbon dioxide levels and electrolytes.
Staff and representatives of Beckman Coulter UK gathered at an official opening of the equipment at the Biochemistry service at FGH on Friday 12 April.
The Biochemistry service at FGH is open 24/7 and analyses samples from the Emergency Department and wards across the site as well as those from GP surgeries across the South Lakes.
Janet Eglin, Technical Services Manager, UHMBT, said: “We have worked very closely with Beckman Coulter UK who have provided us with this fantastic state-of-the-art equipment, which will help us to provide the very best care to our patients and improve the efficiency of the Biochemistry service at FGH.
“I would like to thank the team for working really hard to support the transition and implementation of the new analysers. I’m really grateful to them for their input and support.”
Sue Smith, OBE, Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Chief Nurse, said: “The Biochemistry team has worked really hard to get the new equipment in place which will improve the efficiency of Biochemistry at FGH and produce safer, more accurate patient results.”
You can search for the latest vacancies at the Trust and our Biochemistry service at https://www.betterwithyou.co.uk/vacancies/