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!
Chair Opening Address (Confirmed)
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)
Main Sponsor - Source LDPath
Chair Morning Reflection (Confirmed)
Case Study - ProfilerLive
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.
Chair Afternoon Address (Confirmed)
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.
Keynote Presentation - Dr. Daljeet Bansal, Operations Director of the National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (Invited)
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.
Hot Buffet food and drinks
