Evelyn's hospital tour helps ease her fears

A schoolgirl with a fear of needles was able to tour a hospital laboratory to understand more about what would happen to her blood samples.

Evelyn Flint, nine, also visited the phlebotomy department at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, where phlebotomy manager Angela Emmett showed her how the team find a vein and use a tourniquet to make it easier to feel.

The visit was arranged as part of the Harvey’s Lab Tours initiative, set up in memory of a young boy with leukaemia who wanted to know more about his treatment. Children officially become members of the team after a visit, receiving a goodie bag and certificate.

Evelyn’s mum Sam said: “Evelyn had an operation a few years ago and has had medical anxiety since then.

“She was referred for a blood test but it didn’t go well and we had to stop after two attempts so I thought learning a bit more about the process could help.

“She absolutely loved her visit, and was fascinated by the laboratories and the equipment, and the staff were fantastic at answering her questions.

“I hope having more knowledge will take some of the fear away.”

Evelyn was able to help scan the blood bottles and empty the samples, and saw how the biomedical scientists test the samples in biochemistry and haematology. She also visited the blood transfusion department to see the blood bags of red cells and platelets.

Liz Bates, deputy general manager for pathology, said the team loved showing Evelyn around.

She said: “Our work has a huge impact on patient care but few people actually get to see into our world and visit the laboratories.

“It was a real pleasure to welcome Evelyn and her mum, and biomedical scientists Nick, Nishma and Sid helped make her feel welcome.

“I hope it helps her feel more comfortable around hospitals, and we would love to have her back after her blood test so she can follow her sample through the system.”