Pathology Modernisation

Key themes

• The future provision of UK pathology services and the challenges presented by the current economic downturn
• How best to respond to the day-to-day challenges faced by laboratories across the country in delivering quality pathology services
• Lord Carter’s second phase review and the transformation of pathology services
• Balancing rising demand, workforce pressures and technological developments with the need to maintain service quality, achieve greater cost effectiveness and improve responsiveness to patients and clinical service users

Action points

• Critically assess what forthcoming changes in service models will mean in practice and how these changes fit in with the delivery of Darzi’s vision for the NHS.
• Collaborate with PCTs, patients and clinicians to identify investment needs, deploy procurement skills and manage finances.
• Eliminate delays in sample transportation, duplicate or unnecessary testing systems and poor workflow areas to improve quality and safety.
• Get out of the laboratory to walk the patient pathways and discover new ways of improving services.
• Keep sight of the needs of the local community.
• Embed pathology services to ensure they are not just seen as a support service.
• Expect a 10-20 per cent squeeze on finances as PCTs look for better deals.

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