Lifting the lid on pathology

PEOPLE can learn about the changes and advances in pathology over the last 100 years with an exclusive free talk, given by Len Fielding, pathology manager, at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

The talk is the latest in a series of “Medicine for Members” events at the Trust, which manages The Royal Oldham Hospital, North Manchester General Hospital, Rochdale Infirmary and Fairfield General Hospital in Bury.

Taking place at the Education Centre, The Royal Oldham Hospital tomorrow (2.30-3.30pm), the event will give visitors an overview of pathology — the branch of medicine concerned with the cause, origin and nature of disease, including the changes occurring as a result of disease.

Thanks to the popularity of crime dramas such as “Silent Witness” and “Prime Suspect”, pathologists have become well-known for investigating the causes of suspicious deaths for the police.

What people may not know is that a pathologist is far more likely to be busy in a hospital clinic or laboratory helping living people.

Modern pathology is the hidden science that saves lives every day by helping doctors to make the right decisions. Pathologists study the causes of disease and the ways in which disease processes affect our bodies.

Recognising the patterns that disease takes allows them to understand what is at the root of a problem, helping them to make the right diagnosis.

An understanding of what has gone wrong helps medical staff to devise treatments and put preventative measures in place.