Royal College of Pathologists Survey 2022

Thank you to all who participated in this survey during October 2022.

100% of respondents would recommend the laboratory to a colleague.

When asked: How might the cellular pathology service be improved?

You said:

• ‘Improve turn around time, perhaps provide weekend service’
• ‘Aim to complete reporting in house wherever possible since quality is generally much higher’
• ‘Process urgent samples more urgently’

We said:

• We are working hard to recruit more pathologists to improve the TATs for both urgent and routine specimens and to avoid sending specimens to external agencies for reporting.
• We do provide a laboratory Saturday service in the morning so that specimens are ready for the pathologist on Monday. However we will discuss extending this service with our Directors.

 

You said:

• ‘Need to integrate the in-house histology report and genetics info from Bristol so all in same place (e.g. for lung cancer patients)’

We said:

• The reports from the Bristol genetics laboratory are added to the cellular pathology reports when possible and if the pathologist has requested the genetics test.

 

When asked for any other comments on the service

You said:

‘The cellular pathology service provides a timely, quality service that is patient-centred. It promotes and supports new diagnostic technologies within the service such as molecular diagnostics and ROSE. Quality initiatives optimise the diagnostic pathway. Training, quality management, continuing professional development and effective communication underpin the service’

“Really appreciate it being easy to get hold of right person to ask questions, all staff personable/try to get you to right answer when ring up. Histopathologists get time-sensitive info to us in a timely manner, ask us for ordering of tests when material scarce, able to discuss cases within MDT, really pleased with this service”  

‘Within GI pathology, the pathologists offered an excellent professional service, the pathology reports are detailed, conforming to agreed guidelines and reflex testing. MMR testing is particularly good’ 

‘The lab staff are really helpful when phoned – even if I have dialled the wrong number and end up with the wrong lab!’ 

‘Very helpful and engaged team across secretaries, BMS and consultants’            

‘Excellent service overall’  

We said:

Thank you for this positive feedback.

The teams work very hard to maintain the quality of our service