The pandemic is where we Biomedical Scientists in NHS Microbiology labs had the chance to step forward and do our bit. We were ready and primed. Unfortunately @BorisJohnson @MattHancock @didoharding @JimBethell with the help oh @NHSImprovement took it away from us

They have systematically begun a privatisation process, allocating reagents and funds to private labs with unregistered staff at significant cost. And it is to continue. We have been utterly let down by these people and morale is at its lowest in the service as a result.

For those unaware we are involved in over 70% of diagnoses, staff are fed up and considering leaving or taking early retirement. The loss of these qualified staff who interpret results puts patient results at risk, and so the health of those patients.