Prize for Laboratory medics at Heartlands Hospital
BY DAY, they are hardworking “lab rats” diligently tackling blood and cell tests for patients.
By night, they are making tackles of a different kind.
Laboratory medics at Birmingham’s Heartlands Hospital formed the Lab Hookers rugby team with doctors, nurses and administration staff around the Bordesley Green site and have now scooped a top prize.
The Lab Hookers beat competition from 300 players from a host of other community teams, including the Birmingham Bulldogs, to be crowned winners at the Heart of England touch rugby league finals.
Ian Cunliffe, who is Heartlands Hospital’s medical director of surgery, said: “The league has been so popular with staff and has been a great way to get fit and raise money.
“Staff of all abilities and backgrounds join in from those who have never picked up a rugby ball in their lives, to seasoned rugby league and union players.”
A 16-team league was created by Heart of England Trust, which runs Heartlands, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield’s Good Hope Hospital, to mark the 60th anniversary of the NHS this year.
“This has been the first time we have attempted anything like this,” said Ian.
“Not only has the response from staff been overwhelming but we’ve had a tremendous amount of support from the Rugby Football League, who have been instrumental in helping us set this up.”
Players were joined by Sky Sports pundits and former Great Britain stars, Barrie McDermott and Terry O’Connor, who handed the Lab Hookers the trophy.
Money raised from the league will go into the trust’s sports injuries clinic.
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