In January 2012 a new state-of-the-art laboratory opened in the grounds of the Victoria Hospital, NHS Fife. The building is known as the ‘South Laboratory Block’ and houses the haematology, blood transfusion and clinical biochemistry departments.
The new laboratory receives samples from acute hospitals and GP practices across the whole of Fife and operates a 24-hour service. A pneumatic tube delivery system allows urgent samples to get to the laboratory from the main hospital within a few minutes.
As part of the IBMS centenary celebrations and to mark the opening of the new laboratory, IBMS President Derek Bishop delivered a presentation entitled ‘Meeting the Changing Needs of the Profession” to Fife branch IBMS members. Derek gave an overview of current developments and challenges in pathology, including an update on the Modernising Scientific Careers programme.
Veronica Collins, service manager in haematology and clinical biochemistry, NHS Fife, is soon to retire after 38 years’ NHS service. Veronica played a key role in the planning and design of the new laboratory to ensure that it was delivered within the agreed programme and on budget.
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