A group of students from a St Albans school visited the pathology department at Watford Hospital this week.

Hospital scientists, doctors and nurses were able to bring science to life for the group of sixth form students from Sandringham school.

The students, who are studying applied science at A-level, got to see behind the scenes of the department and to meet with front-line staff.

They also got to see tests being performed and learned how they are processed to allow our doctors, nurses and other clinicians to diagnose patients.

The students visited a number of departments including haematology (the study of blood), chemical pathology (the study of chemical processes in the body), microbiology (the study of bacteria and viruses) and cellular pathology (the study of body tissues).

Elizabeth Ashley is a science teacher at Sandringham school and accompanied the students on their trip. She said: "The pathology department organised a fantastic visit and the students really enjoyed their trip which was both educational and fun.

"It was a great opportunity for the students and I’d like to thank the staff at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust for giving up their time to give us an insight into the service they provide. It was a really interesting and beneficial afternoon, and we hope to bring another set of students next year."