Gateshead Health’s Pathology Centre, along with the Paediatrics department, proudly hosted its very first Harvey’s Lab Tour, giving children a rare and exciting glimpse behind the scenes of a real hospital laboratory.
What is Harvey’s Lab Tours?
Harvey’s Lab Tours is a unique programme run by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). It allows children to step inside hospital labs, see how important tests are carried out, and learn about the amazing work of scientists and laboratory staff. The programme helps young patients feel less anxious about medical tests by showing them exactly what happens to their samples after they visit the hospital.
It was originally called Harvey’s Gang, but in 2025, it was renamed Harvey’s Lab Tours to better reflect its mission. The programme even has its own friendly mascot, an orange teddy bear called Harvey who makes learning about science fun!
A special visit to the lab
One of the lucky visitors on the first Gateshead Health tour was 11-year-old Kale, who regularly visits the hospital for blood tests. He was joined by his older brother Reece, who dreams of becoming a lab scientist one day, and their mum, Tina.
The tour began in the Biochemistry department, where Kale and Reece got a whistlestop tour of the impressive machines that process patient samples. Every day, over 5,000 samples are tested from across South Tyneside, Gateshead, and Sunderland GP practices.
Kale and Reece were thrilled to get hands-on experience with real lab equipment, trying out exciting experiments and looking at blood cells under a microscope with the Haematology team. They learned how scientists study blood samples and look for clues that help doctors diagnose illnesses.
One of the most amusing moments came when the boys spotted a blood cell formation that looked just like Mickey Mouse! With its round “ears” and distinctive shape, it was a funny and unforgettable sight.
Exploring the different departments
The tour continued into the Haematology department, where Kale and Reece discovered what happens to blood, platelets, and plasma donations.
Next, they visited Microbiology and Cellular Pathology, where they learned about some of the specialist tests carried out in these departments. From identifying infections to studying tiny cells, the boys got to see just how important these areas are for diagnosing and treating patients.
An inspiring experience
For Reece, the experience made a big impact. He said:
It has been exciting and made me think more about doing this work when I am older.
Their mum, Tina, was also impressed, saying:
I think it is a brilliant idea and shows children what happens to their blood samples when they visit the hospital. It has been a brilliant morning and exciting to learn about.
A historic moment for Gateshead Health
This first-ever Harvey’s Lab Tour for Gateshead Health was extra special because it marked the first time children under 16 have ever stepped foot inside the high-tech Pathology labs.
By opening up the world of medical science to young people, Harvey’s Lab Tours is helping to inspire the next generation of scientists while making hospitals a little less scary for children who need medical tests.
Michelle Thomas, Paediatric Senior Sister said:
I’m really pleased with how the tour went, we are always keen to improve children’s hospital experiences and really keen to develop this further, we plan to run further sessions during each half term holiday.
With the success of this first tour, there’s no doubt that many more children will soon get the chance to discover the wonders of the laboratory and maybe even be inspired to become future scientists themselves.