For National Pathology Week, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics joined forces with Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to inspire the young minds of the Frimley area by opening their doors to students from local secondary schools and colleges. A guided tour of the fully automated Pathology Department that serves the local community was offered to show a laboratory in action and illustrate the role of science in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Students also visited the newly opened Siemens Academy Training and Education Centre. The visit showcased how pathology is at the heart of modern healthcare and introduced the disciplines of clinical chemistry, haematology and microbiology.
“It is great that companies like Siemens take an active part in supporting careers advice to students,” states Rebecca Lovelock, Curriculum Area Leader for PSHE and Citizenship at Tomlinscote School and Sixth Form College in Frimley, Surrey. “We often ask how our brightest and best can make the right choices when they have limited experience and information about the opportunities out there. To see two contrasting but mutually supporting work environments was a sensible and logical approach, and one so rarely offered.”
“Diagnostics is expanding rapidly with lots of opportunities in the future. The next generation has the potential to be the employees of tomorrow's laboratory. It is therefore essential that they have a good understanding of the vital role that pathology plays in healthcare,” states Sue Mackie, Business and Commercial Manager, Diagnostics at Frimley Park Hospital. “Through this visit, we were able to raise awareness of the range of diagnostic services and departments within pathology and communicate to students the diverse and rewarding nature of the disciplines.”
As sponsors of National Pathology Week 2009, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics also delivered words of commitment to the Royal College of Pathologists at the official launch evening. Academic, clinical and commercial guests gathered to kick off the week of events and initiatives.
“This year’s National Pathology Week has seen partnerships in action, where the commercial and clinical worlds have fused for a common goal,” states David Budd, Head of Siemens Pathology Partnerships at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. “Inspiring the next generation of scientists is vital and we have been delighted at the feedback received from school children and teachers involved in the Frimley area initiative.”
About Siemens Healthcare
The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens is the only company to offer customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source – from prevention and early detection to diagnosis and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimising clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 49,000 employees worldwide and operates in over 130 countries. In fiscal year 2008 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 11.2 billion euros and profit of 1.2 billion euros. For further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare.
For more information please contact:
Siemens Healthcare
T: 01276 696000
E: medmarketing.med.gb@siemens.com
W: http://www.siemens.co.uk/healthcare
