A BIOMEDICAL scientist who introduced an initiative to help seriously ill children understand what happens to their blood samples has been recognised for his efforts.

Luke Hughes, from the pathology department at Glan Clwyd Hospital, was presented with the Improving Patient Experience award at this year’s Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s Achievement (BCUHB) Awards.

The scientist has been praised by colleagues for introducing ‘Harvey’s Gang’ at the hospital, which invites youngsters with cancer and other serious illnesses to become trainee biomedical scientists for a day, and tour pathology laboratories with their families.

Luke was nominated by Elisbeth Brealey, Senior Biomedical Scientist.

He said: “It’s fantastic that our efforts to introduce Harvey’s Gang into the hospital has been recognised with an award.

“It really is a fantastic initiative and we hope it can be introduced at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Wrexham Maelor Hospital in the future, as well as across Wales.

“It’s wonderful to see the children enjoying themselves so much on the tours – we’ve had great feedback and seeing where their blood went really helped them overcome the fear of having blood taken.”

Ian Stockton, of My Improvement Network, added: “Luke’s work is a really inspirational example of going above and beyond to help make what is undoubtedly a tough time for children in hospital a little easier to understand.”