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"These specialists are often unrecognized by the public as an essential part of the health care team because most of their work is carried out behind the scenes," said Furlong.
St. John's (23 April 2012) - The Newfoundland Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) says, while the work lab professionals perform is essential to the people of the province, their work is rarely acknowledged. To rectify this, from April 22 to April 28, the union will celebrate National Medical Laboratory Week. NAPE/NUPGE represents over 600 medical lab professionals.
“Medical laboratory professionals are a highly specialized group who perform thousands of complicated medical tests and play a vital role in the diagnosis and prevention of disease," says NAPE President Carol Furlong.
"These specialists are often unrecognized by the public as an essential part of the health care team because most of their work is carried out behind the scenes," said Furlong.
These health care professionals perform a full range of laboratory tests, from simple prenatal blood tests and collection of blood, to more complex tests to uncover diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes and cancer. Medical Laboratory professionals operate complex electronic equipment, computers, and precisions instruments costing millions of dollars. They are also responsible for confirming the accuracy of test results, and reporting laboratory findings to pathologists and other physicians. The information the medical laboratory professional gives to the doctor influences the medical treatment a patient will receive.
“This week is an opportunity to recognize the contribution and dedication of medical lab professionals to our health care system and to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. We ask that you take this week to join us in acknowledging the vital role of medical laboratory professionals,” stated Furlong.
More information:
National Medical Laboratory Week
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE