The Pathology Directorate has approximately 250 staff who work together to provide a high quality service. Staff groups include:
Doctors/Clinical Scientists
The laboratory has a number of clinical specialists with expertise in particular aspects of Pathology. Their roles include, providing specialist advice to the medical staff on the wards, diagnosis and treatment of patients with specific diseases, Infection Control advice, COMMIT antimicrobial therapy advice and performing Post Mortems.
Biomedical Scientists
Biomedical Scientists are highly-trained staff who carry out investigations on samples of tissue and body fluids to diagnose and monitor a range of illnesses and diseases such as: HIV diagnosis; cancer screening; blood transfusions for surgery; food poisoning, and infection control. They are educated to degree standard and have to be registered with the Health Professions Council to practice in a laboratory.
Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs)
MLAs provide a support role to the Biomedical Scientists. Their varied work involves preparing samples for testing, recording data, making up solutions of chemicals etc. Their work routine demands skill, attention to detail and a responsible attitude.
Phlebotomists are specialised Medical Laboratory Assistants. They collect blood from patients in clinics and on ward rounds.
Mortuary Technicians
Mortuary Technicians are responsible for the respectful reception and storage of the deceased. They prepare bodies for viewing by relatives and assist the Pathologist at the Post Mortem.
Non-technical Staff
The laboratory employs a variety of management, clerical, secretarial and IT staff.
