SMTL Blog
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Paul Hay, who managed SMTL's Biological Testing section for nearly 40 years retired in April.
Paul started working with the laboratory's founder, Dr Steve Thomas, in 1978, when the Mid Glamorgan Quality Control Laboratory (the predecessor of SMTL) was in its infancy, at various times working out of St Tydfil's hospital, East Glamorgan Hospital, Bridgend General and finally Princess of Wales.
Paul studied microbiology originally, but went onto develop the capability of the laboratory to perform protein testing of gloves, endotoxin testing of surgical instruments, and cytotoxicity testing of various medical devices, in particular urinary catheters.
Paul co-published a number of papers and articles with Dr Thomas over the years, and cemented the laboratory's role as a centre of expertise for the testing of medical devices, and for surgical dressings and woundcare products in particular.
Outside of the lab, Paul was (and is) a keen runner, completing a number of Marathons including the London Marathon on multiple occasions. As a diabetic, Paul invariably ran to raise money for one of the UK diabetic charities, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Diabetes UK. In recent years you may have seen him stewarding at the Millenium stadium in Cardiff, where he has been able to indulge his passion for sport.
We are all going to miss Paul's experience and expertise, but most of all his friendliness. We wish him a long and happy retirement together with Mair (who fortunately for Paul is still working to keep the red wine flowing).
Good luck Paul from all of us here at SMTL.
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In the last 18 months, there has been some concern from clinical groups in the UK and USA about the potential for overdose of medication when using the standard ISO 80369-3 (ENFit) syringe for low doses of medication. The GEDSA industry group have developed a potential solution known currently as the ENFit Low Dose Tip syringe.
SMTL were commissioned to test this syringe on an independant basis in November 2015, and the test programme has now been completed. The results are due to be made available by GEDSA and their partners in the coming weeks.
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Vikki Baines, one of SMTL's laboratory officers, has reached the final shortlist of three in a competition run by ABMU Health Board to help spread a positive message at Morriston Hospital’s new Occupational Health Department.
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SMTL staff, along with Dr Tony Wilkes, Dr Mark Stacey, and Dr Iljaz Hodzovic, have been awarded a grant by the Difficult Airway Society to develop a framework for the assessment of introducers (also known as bougies) used for difficult airway management.
A combination of laboratory testing and clinician evaluation in manikins will take place over the Autumn at SMTL's premises at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend.
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Vikki Baines, one of SMTL's laboratory officers, has reached the final shortlist of three in a competition run by ABMU Health Board to help spread a positive message at Morriston Hospital’s new Occupational Health Department.
Successful entries in the competition will go on permanent display in the department, and are intended to reflect a theme demonstrating the essence of wellbeing.
Vikki's photograph, which can be seen below, reached the final three (from 37 entries). There is a Chairman's Awards evening on the 19th November where the winning image will be announced.
