A new core laboratory at Monklands Hospital is streamlining work-flow and improving efficiency.

The original set up of the laboratory did not help the working environment. The new layout makes better use of space and helps the laboratory to run more smoothly.

Louise Brown, senior biomedical scientist, said: “The new core laboratory is the result of a great deal of hard work and cooperation from our staff. The creation of the new facility happened in a number of phases. The team were really patient and supportive throughout the whole process and we are now seeing the benefits of the new set-up.”

“The core blood sciences laboratory is staffed by a team of clinical scientists, biomedical scientists, medical laboratory assistants and clerical staff. They carry out analysis on fluids such as blood and urine.”

The core laboratory at Monklands is part of the Lanarkshire-wide laboratory investment work which will also see a new a new £1.8m pathology laboratory in the building previously occupied by Corporate Services on the Monklands site.

Allan Wilson, lead biomedical scientist for pathology, said: “The new pathology department will house all histopathology and cytopathology services for NHS Lanarkshire and create a single, modern pathology department. All tissue samples from across Lanarkshire will be processed and reported from the new laboratory.”