Harvey's Lab Tours

19/02/2026

When Tomás, Louis and their sister Aoife visited University Hospital Southampton with their mum and dad, Tomás asked:

“How does factor VIII help clotting?”

That one question changed the route of the tour, leading the family into the coagulation department to see how the tests that support their care are run. While it meant adapting the usual plan, it also meant the visit answered exactly the questions which mattered most to them.

As Chloe from the lab team said:

“It is really important to be flexible and go with the needs of your patients rather than follow a set plan. They got the most out of their visit by seeing the analysers that are used to run their tests, even if it didn’t fit my usual tour format!”

That’s what Harvey’s Lab Tours is all about 💙

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4kNfJk3

09/02/2026

Not every Harvey’s Lab Tour goes exactly to plan, and that’s okay 💙

During Chloe’s visit to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, the Blood Sciences team made sure her comfort and wellbeing always came first.

Partway through the visit, Chloe started to feel unwell, so the tour was gently paused and plans were made for her to come back another day when she’s feeling better.

Every Harvey’s Lab Tour is led by the child and tailored to how they’re feeling on the day. Whether that means taking things slowly, adapting activities, or rescheduling altogether, the priority is always making sure young visitors feel safe, supported and cared for.

If you’d like to read more about Chloe’s visit, you can find her full tour story here: https://bit.ly/4r2Gu6f

The IBMS Awards deadline has now been extended by one week. If your team delivers Harvey’s Lab Tours like this and would like that work to be recognised, you can apply for Harvey’s Lab Tour of the Year here: https://ibmsawards.org/

We’re looking forward to welcoming Chloe back when she’s ready 💙

05/02/2026

After World Cancer Day yesterday, we’re sharing Toby’s special Harvey’s Lab Tour 💙

Toby, who is being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, came to the lab to see how biomedical scientists help care for patients like him. He loved using the machines, trying experiments and looking down the microscope. He especially enjoyed being a 'real scientist' for the day.

A huge thank you to the wonderful team who made this such a positive and memorable visit for Toby and his family.

Read Toby’s story: https://bit.ly/4rxqysE

26/01/2026

What do beads, gel and blood science have in common? 🧪🩸

During her lab tour at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Junior Scientist Scarlett used beads and gel to explore blood groups and the different components of blood, helping her understand what happens behind the scenes in the laboratory and how it supports her care.

Tours like this give young patients the chance to ask questions, try things out and see what really happens to their samples.

If your site runs Harvey’s Lab Tours and would like recognition for the work you do, applications for Harvey’s Lab Tour of the Year close on 6th February.

You can read Scarlett’s full tour here:
https://bit.ly/3NCVHwa

20/01/2026

Kareem recently returned to the lab at University Hospital Southampton for his second Harvey’s Lab Tour, arriving confident and ready to get involved 🧪🎂

With colourful experiments and hands on activities, the visit helped Kareem feel comfortable in the lab and talk about his healthcare journey in a positive way. Thank you to the brilliant lab team who made all of this possible 💙

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/49GEmtp

14/01/2026

If your site is involved with Harvey’s Lab Tours, this is your reminder to apply for Harvey’s Lab Tour of the Year.

It’s a chance to show how your tours work and recognise the time, creativity and teamwork that goes into every visit.

Last year’s winner, Specialist Biomedical Scientist Gayle Johnstone, described the award as one of the proudest moments of her career and said the application was easy to write, focusing on how the tours work and the difference they’ve made for patients and her team.

Find out more and submit your entry here: https://ibmsawards.org/

06/01/2026

At Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, every Harvey’s Lab Tour involves a special tradition, sending a message through the laboratory pod system to show how samples travel around the lab.

For William, it was a fun way to understand what happens after his blood is taken and feel more confident about future visits.

👉 Read the full story: https://bit.ly/49qg5YI

25/12/2025

Christmas means different things to different people, but for many it’s a a chance to pause after a busy year.

From all of us at Harvey’s Lab Tours, we want to say how much we appreciate everyone who volunteers their time to bring the lab to life for young patients and their families. Your support plays a crucial role in helping young people understand their healthcare and the tests that support their treatment.

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a restful time over the holiday period ❤️

17/12/2025

The IBMS Awards 2026 are now open - and one of the categories is Harvey’s Lab Tour of the Year 🧪

This award celebrates the teams who help young patients and families understand more about their healthcare through lab tours, recognising the careful planning and teamwork that goes into making each visit unforgettable.

Last year’s winner, Gayle Johnstone (Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary), said:

"To be recognised for something I genuinely love doing was one of the proudest moments of my career."

You can read more about the category and the IBMS Awards here: https://ibmsawards.org/

11/12/2025

Eight-year-old Jasper has APDS, a rare immune condition, and is currently going through a bone marrow transplant. That means lots of blood tests.

Jasper and his parents recently visited the Medical Biochemistry and Immunology Lab at University Hospital of Wales for a Harvey's Lab Tour.

He tried pipetting, helped with colourful 'mock' experiments, used UV light to track where germs might hide, and even saw how a big lab machine (a flow cytometer) helps doctors understand his immune system.

His parent told us the visit gave him 'confidence, clarity and joy in a place that once felt frightening.' 💛

Read Jasper’s Journey and see how the Cardiff team turned lab science into something children can understand and even enjoy: https://bit.ly/4oMSerA

10/12/2025

10/12/2025

Could your organisation help support young patients and families through a family-centred initiative?

Harvey’s Lab Tours gives young patients a behind-the-scenes look at hospital laboratories - meeting biomedical scientists, seeing what happens to samples, and understanding the process in an age-appropriate way.

We’re inviting organisations to partner with us to help fund the practical resources that make this possible and ensure more families can benefit.

You can download the Partnership Package at: https://lnkd.in/ek4ybzbR