Medical Microbiology provides an extensive clinical microbiology service, which includes Bacteriology, Virology, Serology, Molecular Diagnostics, Parasitology and Mycology to hospitals and General Practitioners. It also delivers infection control services and advice.
It provides epidemiological data for the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre in Colindale, and investigates outbreaks of infectious disease with the support of the Consultant in Communicable Disease Control. The Department of Medical Microbiology belongs to National Quality Assurance Schemes including UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme (NEQAS) for microbiology. It is accredited by the Clinical Pathology Accreditation UK Ltd. (CPA) and recommended for UKAS Accreditation (ISO15189).
The results enquiries line, 01582 497319, is open from Monday to Friday 08.45 – 17.15.
To families of all our patients, we wanted to give a reminder that sadly, at both Bedford and the Luton & Dunstable Hospital, we are still unable to allow any visitors on site, unless there are exceptional circumstances, for example in maternity or children’s departments, or for those patients who are receiving palliative treatment at the end of their lives, on a case-by-case basis.
At Bedford we will call one designated member of family every day between 1.30pm and 4.30pm with a daily phone update. Those who miss a call back during this time and are concerned can contact the helpline on 01234 730500.
For the Luton & Dunstable, we are offering a dedicated Next of Kin helpline for family members who want to check up on their loved ones – please nominate one family member to call 01582 718884 between 8am and 6pm.
