Young cancer patients become Healthcare Scientists for the day at Royal Stoke

A group of young oncology patients from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) have become biomedical scientists for the day to help them better understand what happens to their blood samples during treatment. 

The four patients from Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke were given a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s pathology department.  

During the tour, Harper Lythgoe, 10, Lola Mansfield, 10, Jamie Davies, 12, and Harrison Gratton, nine, were able to watch blood samples being processed, look down the microscope to see red blood cells and view the various analysers and robotic machines used by the department. 

Claire Butler, oncology specialist nurse at Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke, said: “Our department treats up to 50 children at a time for conditions like leukaemia and solid tumours. These young patients undergo frequent blood tests, which can be daunting. Whilst we provide education and reassurance, seeing the process up close can make a big difference, helping to reduce fear, build understanding, and empower both children and their families.”

The tours were organised through the national Harvey’s Gang initiative to help younger patients better understand their healthcare. At the end of the tour, the group were presented with goodie bags and a certificate of attendance.
                               
Harper Lythgoe from Blythe Bridge, was diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumour at six -years-old.

Harper’s Mum Alex Johnson said: “Harper started her chemotherapy in 2021 and has just finished her third protocol. The care at Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke has been amazing, there’s nowhere like this place, the nurses and doctors are like family.

“The tour was an eye opener for Harper to see why we have all these tests done and what happens with her bloods after they are taken. I found it interesting as a parent and it’s good that the hospital are doing something special for the patients and their families to help them process what’s going on.”

Harper said: “I liked having a look inside the machines which were really interesting. I also liked being able to wear the special lab coat and the games we played after the tour.”

Jasmine Mansfield’s daughter Lola, was diagnosed with a tumour on her skull in August 2024. 

Jasmine, said: “Lola finished six months of chemotherapy earlier this month and has been really well looked after. 

“I could tell she was really enjoying herself during the tour, being able to see things behind the scenes that you didn’t know were happening in a different part of the hospital.”

Katie Berger, UHNM Chief Healthcare Scientist, said: “It was a joy to host such inspiring young visitors. These tours help children feel more at ease in a hospital setting and give them a sense of what happens to their samples and why.

“The work of the North Midlands and Cheshire Pathology Service (NMCPS) plays a vital role in patient care across the region and it’s rewarding to be able to share that with the patients we serve.”