We are delighted to have now upgraded our lab in a number of ways as part of our strategic plan to improve clinical services. Firstly we have been able to create more space by reconfiguring the use of rooms and rationalising our stores. Secondly we have introduced some more sophisticated and reliable analysers to increase the range of tests we can run for diagnostic and monitoring support. Thirdly we have employed a new degree level Medical Laboratory Scientist, Francis Orishaba, as our In-Charge to head up the department and take it up a gear.
The Lab is now developing areas for Biochemistry and Microbiology together with the traditional microscopy and haematology services. Serology and special tests for HIV patients are being upgraded.
We have now opened a new phlebotomy room so that patients no longer have to come into the lab itself to have their blood tests.
We are in the process of reconfiguring the layout to best accommodate the new equipment and functionality. There is a new hatch from the phlebotomy area to the main lab.
We are really pleased to have been able to expand the lab to include a new Microbiology room. Previously we could only do microscopy but can now perform some culture and sensitivity testing thanks to generous support from Countess of Chester hospital who sent a team out for two weeks in March 2014 to help us set up the service.
