4th NHS Pathology Conference: Improving NHS diagnostics

Clinical Diagnostics & Medical Sciences

08:30 am
06 Feb, 2025
Hilton Hotel, 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ

4th NHS Pathology Conference: Improving NHS diagnostics

Clinical Diagnostics & Medical Sciences

08:30 am
06 Feb, 2025
Hilton Hotel, 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ

Job titles includes

Senior Programme Manager

Diagnostic Programme Manager - NENC ICS

Laboratory Manager

Pathology Clinical Director

Clinical Director Pathology

Pathology Business Development Manager

Medical Director

Principal Project Manager

Managing Director

Pathology Business Manager

Head of Pathology

Service Director for Diagnostics Therapies Pharmacy and Health Sciences

70
Delegates Registered

Organisations Involved

NI Blood Transfusion Services

North East North Cumbria ICS

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust

Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

NHS Blood and Transplant

Digital Health Care Wales

North West London Pathology

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Pathology

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

Current Landscape and Challenges

The NHS Pathology networks are at a critical juncture, facing numerous challenges that threaten their efficiency and effectiveness. Workforce shortages are a pressing issue, with vacancy rates in key areas like histopathology reaching approximately 10%, and only 3% of labs sufficiently staffed to meet clinical demand. The increasing demand for pathology services further exacerbates these workforce issues, resulting in delayed diagnoses and missed critical care targets.

Financial constraints add another layer of complexity, with the NHS striving for a minimum 10% productivity improvement by 2024/25 amidst limited resources. Additionally, the integration and coordination required for network consolidation are hindered by logistical, operational, and cultural barriers, despite over 80% of NHS trusts progressing towards networking their services.

On the technical front, the transition to digital pathology presents significant challenges. Implementing digital imaging and AI diagnostic tools requires substantial IT infrastructure, training, and change management. Ensuring data integrity, security, and interoperability across different systems is another major hurdle.

Importance and Timeliness of the Event

This conference comes at a pivotal time for the NHS Pathology networks. As the demand for pathology services continues to outpace workforce expansion, and financial pressures mount, there is an urgent need for strategic dialogue and collaborative solutions. The integration of digital pathology and AI tools, although challenging, offers a pathway to enhanced efficiency and accuracy in diagnostics.

Bringing together experts, stakeholders, and innovators, this event aims to address these challenges head-on, fostering a shared understanding of the issues and exploring actionable solutions. The conference is designed to be a catalyst for change, encouraging the adoption of best practices and innovative technologies to future-proof NHS pathology services.

Key Subjects

Workforce Challenges and Solutions:

  • Addressing the high vacancy rates in pathology roles.
  • Strategies for workforce expansion and retention.
  • Training and development initiatives for pathology staff.

Financial Sustainability:

  • Achieving productivity improvements amidst financial constraints.
  • Effective utilisation of capital investments for diagnostic service transformation.

Integration and Coordination:

  • Overcoming barriers to network consolidation.
  • Enhancing inter-trust collaboration for standardised practices and resource sharing.

Digital Transformation:

  • Implementing digital pathology and AI diagnostic tools.
  • Ensuring data integrity, security, and interoperability in digital pathology systems.
  • Change management and training for successful digital adoption.

Innovative Technologies:

  • Leveraging AI and machine learning for improved diagnostics.
  • Future-proofing pathology services with cutting-edge technology.

Headline Sponsor

Who will Attend

  • CEO’s
  • Consultant Pathologists – across all specialities
  • CTO’s
  • Haematologists
  • Heads of IT
  • Heads of Pathology
  • Heads/Directors of Diagnostic Services
  • Heads/Directors of Pathology Services
  • Heads/Directors of Transformation
  • Heads/Managers of Laboratory Services
  • Histopathologists
  • Senior Pathologists

The programme

08:30

Registration & Networking

Registration - Open from 8:30 am - Closes at 11:00 am

All delegates must complete their registration process before the 11:00 AM cut-off time. Please arrive in a timely manner to allow for registration and to avoid any inconvenience. Delegates who arrive after the registration deadline will be refused entry to the event.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain the event's schedule and ensuring that everyone can fully participate in the Conference. If you have any questions or require assistance, our event staff will be available to assist you with the registration process.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to an insightful and productive event together!

09:30

Chair Opening Address (Confirmed)

Mr Chris Sleight MSc BSc FIBMS
Chief Officer
Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network

Chair Opening Address (Confirmed)

09:40

Addressing Workforce Challenges in Pathology: Strategic Solutions for a Sustainable Future Panel Discussion

Saghar Missaghian-Cully
Managing Director
North West London Pathology
Ms Helen Dent
Chief Executive
BIVDA
Dr Bernie Croal
President
The Royal College of Pathologists

The pathology sector is currently grappling with significant workforce challenges, including staffing shortages, evolving skill requirements, and the integration of advanced technologies. This panel discussion aims to explore comprehensive strategies to attract, develop, and retain talent within pathology, ensuring the field's resilience and capacity to meet future healthcare demands.

Key Discussion Points:

Current Workforce Challenges in Pathology:

  • Identifying the root causes of staffing shortages and high turnover rates.
  • Assessing the impact of technological advancements on workforce competencies.

Strategic Workforce Planning and Development:

  • Implementing effective recruitment and retention strategies.
  • Develop training programs to upskill existing staff and prepare new entrants.

Leadership and Mentorship:

  • Exploring the role of leadership in fostering a supportive work environment.
  • Establishing mentorship programs to guide career progression and professional development.

Collaborative Approaches and Policy Advocacy:

  • Engaging with industry associations to influence policy and advocate for workforce needs.
  • Promoting collaboration between educational institutions, healthcare providers, and industry stakeholders.

Panellists:

  • Dr. Bernie Croal, President, The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath): Dr. Croal brings extensive experience in pathology and leadership, offering insights into the current workforce landscape and RCPath's initiatives to address ongoing challenges (Confirmed)
  • Helen Dent, Chief Executive Officer, British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA): With a background in procurement and strategic management within the healthcare sector, Ms. Dent will discuss BIVDA's role in supporting the pathology workforce through advocacy and industry collaboration. (Confirmed)
  • Gareth Richardson, Workforce Development Lead, Greater Manchester Imaging and Pathology Network: Mr. Richardson's experience in workforce planning and development will provide practical perspectives on implementing effective workforce strategies within pathology services. (Provisionally Confirmed)
    • Senior Representative, NHS North West Leadership Academy (NWLA): An expert in leadership development, this representative will share insights into programs and resources designed to enhance leadership capabilities and support workforce resilience in the pathology sector. (Invited)

10:30

Main Sponsor - Source LDPath

Main Sponsor - Source LDPath

10:50

Morning Break

Morning Break

11:50

Chair Morning Reflection (Confirmed)

Mr Chris Sleight MSc BSc FIBMS
Chief Officer
Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network

Chair Morning Reflection (Confirmed)

11:55

Case Study - ProfilerLive

Case Study - ProfilerLive

12:15

Case Study - Diagnexia

Case Study - Diagnexia

12:35

Interview session - Unlocking Market Access in Diagnostics: A Fireside Chat with Beth Loudon on MES Procurement (Provisionally Confirmed)

In this intimate fireside chat, Beth Loudon, Head of Market Access at the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA), will share her expertise on navigating the Managed Equipment Service (MES) procurement model in the diagnostics industry. The MES approach has become an innovative solution for healthcare providers, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional procurement by focusing on comprehensive, long-term equipment management solutions rather than outright purchases.

Beth will discuss how diagnostics companies can optimise market access within this model, exploring best practices for partnership with healthcare providers and insights into adapting to evolving procurement expectations. This conversation will shed light on the advantages and potential challenges of MES in diagnostics, providing valuable takeaways on how this approach can support improved healthcare outcomes and operational efficiencies.

Key Themes:

  • Demystifying the MES Model: What the MES procurement approach entails and why it is reshaping the landscape of diagnostics.
  • Market Access Essentials: How companies can leverage MES to enhance market penetration and strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers.
  • Future Outlook: Beth’s perspective on the MES model’s role in the future of diagnostics procurement and how companies can prepare for its expanding influence.

12:55

Case study

Case study

13:15

Lunch and Networking

Lunch and Networking

14:00

Chair Afternoon Address (Confirmed)

Mr Chris Sleight MSc BSc FIBMS
Chief Officer
Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network

Chair Afternoon Address (Confirmed)

14:05

Case Study

Case Study

14:25

Co-Presentation - Dr. Bethany Williams, Lead for Training, Education, and Patient Involvement at the National Pathology Imaging Co-operative & Dr. Daljeet Bansal, Operations Director of the National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (invited)

Digital Pathology in Action: A Case Study of Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Overview:

This presentation will highlight the successful implementation of digital pathology solutions at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. The speakers will provide a detailed account of the project, including the challenges encountered, strategies employed, and the positive outcomes achieved.

14:45

Case Study

Case Study

15:05

Keynote Presentation - Dr. Daljeet Bansal, Operations Director of the National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (Invited)

Keynote Presentation - Dr. Daljeet Bansal, Operations Director of the National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (Invited)

15:25

Network Collaboration in Pathology: Evaluating Governance Models for Optimal Outcomes Panel Discussion

Saghar Missaghian-Cully
Managing Director
North West London Pathology
Dr Bernie Croal
President
The Royal College of Pathologists

Overview:

Pathology networks across the UK are striving to address healthcare challenges with efficient, collaborative governance models that enhance service delivery, innovation, and resilience.

This panel discussion will bring together leaders from key pathology networks to explore the pros and cons of various governance structures. Our panellists will discuss the impact of governance on operational efficiency, collaboration, and clinical outcomes, providing insights into what has worked, what hasn’t and how governance models can evolve to meet future demands.

With perspectives from the Sheffield Network, Hull SHYPS Partnership, East of England Network, and Greater Manchester Pathology Network, this discussion will cover a spectrum of governance approaches, from centralised models to partnerships.

Key Discussion Points:

Governance Models in Practice:

A comparative look at governance frameworks across different pathology networks and their impact on network growth and cohesion.

Benefits and Challenges of Various Governance Approaches:

  • Insights into centralised, distributed, and partnership-based governance models, and how they address—or create—challenges in managing pathology services.

Fostering Collaboration and Accountability:

  • Exploring how different governance models support collaboration, transparent decision-making, and stakeholder accountability.

Overcoming Governance-Related Challenges:

  • Panellists will discuss practical strategies for tackling governance-related issues, from ensuring regulatory compliance to empowering clinical leaders in decision-making.

Panellists:

  • Dr. Bernie Croal, President, The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath): Dr. Croal brings extensive experience in pathology governance, sharing insights into RCPath’s approaches to addressing sector-wide workforce and operational challenges (Confirmed)
  • Dr. David Oglesby, Operational Director, SHYPS Partnership, Hull: Dr. Oglesby will discuss Hull’s partnership model, offering a unique perspective on the benefits and hurdles of collaborative governance within the SHYPS network (Invited)
  • Bee Anthony, Operational Director, Eastern Diagnostic Imaging Network (EDIN), Bee will share experiences from the East of England Network’s governance model, highlighting the importance of adaptability and alignment with regional priorities (Invited)
  • Dr. Rajesh Rajendran, Clinical Lead, Greater Manchester Pathology Network: Dr. Rajendran will provide insights on Greater Manchester’s clinically-led governance structure and the critical role of clinical leadership in network-wide decision-making and service integration (Invited)
  • Richard Wardell, Director of Strategy, Sheffield Network: Richard will discuss Sheffield’s governance strategy, with a focus on aligning organisational objectives with long-term growth and patient-focused outcomes.

15:55

Hot Buffet food and drinks

Hot Buffet food and drinks

17:00

End of Day

End of Day

Convenzisvents

Your Pass Includes....

  • Access to a leading conference speaker programme
  • Interactive Q&A sessions
  • Fireside interviews
  • Cross-sector best practice
  • Meet the supplier opportunities
  • Hot breakfast & Lunch included
  • Access to post event drinks reception and Street food

Tickets For NHS Senior Managers

We have an invite only option for NHS Senior Managers for our conference, to see if you qualify for a complimentary place please click the button below.

Register your place

Book tickets

Ticket
Price
Quantity
Charity, Not for Profit and University (In-Person)
£203.99 excl VAT
Limited places
0
Private Sector (In-Person)
£500.00 excl VAT
Limited places
0
Free NHS Ticket
£0.00 No VAT
Limited places
0

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