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
Gareth Richardson
Physiological Science Network Programme Lead and Workforce Development Lead
GM Diagnostic Network
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. (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 - Improving diagnostic turnaround times in histopathology
Klaudyna Johnstone
Commercial Director
Source LDPath
Main Sponsor - Source LDPath
What would it mean for you to be able to quantify digital pathology implementation for your hospital / department?
If only it were as simple as it sounds. A walk-through updated NHS requirements for histopathology TATs and what the private sector can do to support you in achieving them. Focus will be on case studies to date and the Health Economic Model for Digital Pathology.
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
12:35
Interview session - Unlocking Innovation and Value in Diagnostics: A Fireside Chat with Beth Loudon on MES Procurement (Confirmed)
Beth Loudon
Head of Market Access
BIVDA
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 healthcare providers and diagnostics companies can optimise value and innovation within this model, exploring best practices for contracting that promotes partnership 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 be navigated to support improved healthcare outcomes and operational efficiencies.
12:55
Case Study - Noul’s miLAB: Seeing more, doing less
Telmo Costa
Global Product Lead BCM
Noul Co LTD
Case Study - Noul
- miLAB portfolio presentation – CER, MAL, BCM
- BCM features, benefits and future developments
14:00
Chair Afternoon Address (Confirmed)
Mr Chris Sleight MSc BSc FIBMS
Chief Officer
Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network
Chair Afternoon Address (Confirmed)
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.
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 (Provisionally Confirmed)
- 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
