The September You Made a Difference team award goes to a team who worked relentlessly to reduce waiting times to enable the reinstatement of UKAS accreditation – our histopathology lab team.
The histopathology lab consists of over 100 laboratory and administrative staff, over 50 consultant pathologists and 18 registrars to provide a diagnostic histopathology and cytopathology service for patients, to inform of their diagnosis and treatment plans. This includes patients from CUH, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Royal Papworth Hospital and GPs in the surrounding areas.
The department plays a critical role in supporting other specialist services such as transplant, paediatrics, neuropathology, cardiothoracic and specialist referrals.
Despite several challenges, the team have been working relentlessly seven days a week to reduce the backlog in the department, reduce patient waiting times for results and towards reinstatement of the UKAS accreditation.
The histopathology team have really pulled together across all staff roles to improve patient pathways and the workflow in the department.
The team are looking forward to moving into a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art building next year.
The team’s dedication is reflected in the winning nomination submitted by a colleague, extracts of which told us:
“In October 2023 the UKAS accreditation of the histopathology lab was suspended due to capacity and staffing constraints, poor turnaround times, high backlogs and issues related to training competencies. An action plan was put in place, but due to ongoing constraints slow progress was made”
A concerted effort by the whole team over the last two or three months has delivered a huge overall improvement.
At an inspection visit in August 2024, the UKAS assessor recommended reaccreditation, noting a 'striking difference' in atmosphere, a change in lab culture and a stronger focus on quality improvement and patient care.
“Backlogs have significantly reduced and turnaround times have improved, which is positively impacting on cancer and other patient pathways.
“The team should be congratulated on their focus, tenacity, dedication and incredibly hard work to get the lab to this point. The team includes consultant, scientific, quality, operations and administrative staff, and support has also been provided from corporate and divisional colleagues.”