Published 30 November 2022
A schoolboy was invited to become an honorary biomedical scientist for the day to help ease his fears around having a blood test.
Young Finley Puddefoot, eight, visited the pathology department at the William Harvey Hospital to see where his blood samples would end up.
He had a tour of the biochemistry and haematology departments and was able to load samples onto a centrifuge machine, as well as sending and receiving vacuum pods, loading analysers and looking at blood films using a microscope.
The youngster, from Ashford, has also been working with the play specialists on Padua Ward at the hospital, using special toys to practise taking blood samples.
Mum Louise said: “Finley had a previous blood test that didn’t go well so his consultant referred him to the play team to see if they could work with him to help him get used to the idea.
“He was able to practise using a needle on a teddy, and could try taking coloured liquid from a special toy called Rabbit Ray, and the team were fantastic at explaining to him what would happen.
“He loved visiting the lab and I can’t put into words how brilliant everyone has been with him; from the team on Padua to everyone in the lab.
“They have really put him at ease and reassured me too, and Finley has now agreed we can make the appointment for him to have his blood test.”
Finley was able to keep his lab coat as a memento of his visit, which was arranged as part of the Harvey’s Gang initiative, set up in memory of a young boy with leukaemia who wanted to know more about what happened to his blood samples. He also received a certificate and goody bag, and will return to the lab when he has his blood test, to personally deliver the sample to the team.
Phlebotomy service manager Liz Brown said: “These tours are such a brilliant way for children to understand the process and the hidden teams behind some of their care - it is also a huge morale boost for the laboratory teams and a great reminder that every sample is a patient.”
