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149 Standalone Chapters NMH Annual Rep t | 2020 Dr Roger McMorrow, Consultant Anaesthesiologist and Clinical Director presenting a COVID-19 commemorative medal to Edel Connolly, Laboratory Admin (left) and Constance Young, Medical Scientist. T he laboratory service covers the scope of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine with Biochemistry, Blood Transfusion, Haematology, Histology and Microbiology laboratories. The service is provided 24/7 in accordance with clinical need. In addition, a microbiology service is provided for the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital. Our Endocrinology service has expanded over the past few years and this is a developing area. In addition to tests provided 'in house' the department manages specimens referred to reference laboratories. The histology service incorporates the perinatal pathology service. Accreditation of the services to ISO 15186 was retained in 2020 through a virtual inspection. Extensions to scope were added and the accolade of flexible scope was retained. Following successful implementation of the MN-CMS system and its expansion to Gynaecology services we moved to paperless reporting for most of our work. Pa ology and Lab at y Medicine We gained and lost staff during the year. Bernadette O'Donovan left the Chief's role in Blood Transfusion and was replaced by Natalie Keogh. Damian Lally took on the role of Chief in Biochemistry while Catherine Doughty was on leave. David McMahon joined Histology as a Senior Medical Scientist, Mr Donal Noonan was appointed Locum Senior Medical Scientist and new graduates Sinead Corry, Hazel Reilly, Aisling Ross, Diane Fitzgerald and Rosanna Sheridan joined the team. Two additional posts were approved in Microbiology to support the molecular microbiology section and to deliver sustainable testing for COVID-19. Gráinne O'Dea was appointed Specialist Medical Scientist and Gwen Connolly appointed Senior Medical Scientist. Shannon Diggin was appointed to the new staff grade post. Sadly during the year, we learned of the death of Austin Bourke, a well-known and much loved member of the Biochemistry staff for many years. May he rest in peace.