The event was held at the western side of Independence Square and members of the public were encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to find out about their status as it relates to specific types of cancer.
Laboratory Manager at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, Jasmine Hanley, while speaking with MiyVue.com, explained that notwithstanding that the event was geared at promoting prevention of these diseases, it was also designed to encourage persons to consider a career in that field.
“We are promoting the lab as a career option, we are trying to get some persons signed up as volunteer donors, we are promoting prevention of cervical cancer, prevention of breast cancer, prevention of prostate cancer. We are offering prostate specific antigen tests for men over 40 and we are also offering blood groups free of charge for today. Persons were welcomed to come in, have a look and find out what we are about.”
She indicated that as part of the celebration of the 4th annual Laboratory Professionals Week, a number of other activities were held including the preparation of brochures for health centres and hospital wards, a presentation at the CME at the Joseph N. France General Hospital and social activities. The fair, she however explained, was the only public event.
Regarding public response to the opportunities which were afforded during the event, Ms Hanley described it as “fair”. “We were hoping, for example, that more men would have come for their PSA tests but perhaps next year. We had a really great turnout last year for PSA tests. It wasn’t public, it was at the laboratory. So it has been fair. Persons have been coming around and asking questions.”
The idea of hosting the annual observation, according to Hanley, was birthed by Nutilia Leader of the Joseph N. France Laboratory.