{"id":363,"date":"2026-02-18T13:25:28","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T13:25:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ballparkplaceapts.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/18\/my-rural-placement-experience-in-caithness-as-a-biomedical-student\/"},"modified":"2026-02-18T13:25:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T13:25:28","slug":"my-rural-placement-experience-in-caithness-as-a-biomedical-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ballparkplaceapts.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/18\/my-rural-placement-experience-in-caithness-as-a-biomedical-student\/","title":{"rendered":"My Rural Placement Experience in Caithness as a Biomedical Student"},"content":{"rendered":"

My name is Torrie, and I am currently a 4th year Applied Biomedical Science<\/a> Student.\u00a0As part of the Applied Biomedical Science course, I\u2019ve completed two placements, one in 2nd year and another in 3rd year. Both gave me the chance to work at Caithness General Hospital (CGH) in my hometown of Wick, 108 miles north of Inverness. <\/p>\n

When people think of Biomedical Science placements, they often picture large city hospitals with bustling labs and high-tech equipment. But my experience has shown that rural placements offer something truly special!<\/p>\n

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Inside the CGH Laboratory: A Unique Learning Environment<\/h2>\n

Caithness General Hospital (CGH) is a small rural hospital with a multi-disciplinary laboratory covering Haematology, Biochemistry, and Blood Transfusion Science. Unlike larger hospitals such as Raigmore Hospital (Inverness)\u00a0or Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI), CGH offers a more integrated experience. I was able to observe how these disciplines overlap and support each other in a rural setting.<\/p>\n

Because CGH has limited testing capabilities, many samples are sent to Raigmore for further analysis. Microbiology and Pathology samples, for example, are processed elsewhere, making CGH a key starting point in the diagnostic journey. This gave me insight into how samples are booked and transferred, a process often overlooked in larger labs.<\/p>\n

I also had the chance to sit in on a Point of Care Testing (POCT) training session with a student nurse. It was very interesting to see how lab staff take on educational roles and support frontline healthcare. These POCT devices are vital in emergencies, offering more immediate testing options than the main lab analysers.<\/p>\n

One of the most rewarding experiences was speaking at Wick High School during an \u201cInforming Subject\u201d event. I got to share my passion for Biomedical Science with pupils and parents, explain career pathways, and practice translating scientific language into everyday terms. It was a great way to raise awareness of this often \u201cbehind-the-scenes\u201d profession.<\/p>\n

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The CGH Laboratory Team: Small but Mighty<\/h2>\n

The CGH lab team is small, dedicated, and incredibly supportive. I felt mentored and valued throughout my placement. Working in a rural lab challenged my assumptions\u2014before this, I thought Biomedical Scientists mostly worked in large urban hospitals. But this team showed me how vital their work is to the local community, often with broader responsibilities and closer collaboration.<\/p>\n

Exploring Caithness: Life Outside the Lab<\/h2>\n

A rural placement isn\u2019t just about work\u2014it\u2019s also a chance to explore the beauty and culture of northern Scotland. Wick is located on the North Coast 500 (NC500) route, making it a perfect base for weekend adventures. Having your own transport is ideal for traveling around the Highlands and Islands in your free time, but there is also public transport available to visit nearby villages and towns.<\/p>\n

Here are some highlights from my time outside the lab:<\/p>\n