Pathology providers are key to NHS reform
Pathology modernisation and the vital role that pathology providers could play in NHS reform, as set out in the published Carter Review of Pathology in 2008 and the NHS Five-Year Forward View, provided the focus for a defining speech made by Richard Jones, CEO of Viapath, at the HSJ Pathology Conference which took place on 18th November 2014.
Supporting the theme;exploring the pressures for providers and commissioners in pathology, Richard Jones was chosen as one of the key panellists for the conference, to discuss the topic Modernising NHS pathology – lessons and observations of a public-private joint venture on behalf of Viapath’ joining several other speakers including keynote speaker, Lord Carter of Coles.
Three themes were covered in the 15 minute speech given by Richard Jones, which included
1. An analysis of Carter and why so little progress has occurred.
2. Lessons learnt from GSTS-Viapath – benefits and opportunities for the future
3. Reaffirming the case for change and the role of a mixed economy.
About the HSJ Pathology Seminar
The HSJ Annual Pathology Seminar was the third Conference of the series, held to share critical insights on meeting the challenges faced by commissioners of pathology services. Taking place in central London on 18 November the event, in association with Roche, explored the pressures affecting providers and commissioners in pathology, as well as discussing future courses of action.
Sessions included discussions on how pathology services can be commissioned in a smarter way; how competition works in this market and its impact; how the Transforming Pathology Partnership has progressed, with practical guidance on improvement areas; and the most effective strategies for implementing personalised healthcare.
The Chair of the Conference was Alistair Mc Lellan, Editor of HSJ while additional speakers were:
Keynote Speaker:
Lord Carter of Coles Pierre Hazlewood
Director of Point of Care, Roche UK & Republic of Ireland
Sheldon Mills, Senior Director of Mergers, Competition and Markets Authority
Francisco Munoz, Business Development Director, Integrated Pathology Partnerships
Jan Ledward, Chief Officer, NHS Greater Preston CCG and NHS Chorley and South Ribble CCG
Martin Myers, Clinical Biochemist, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Paul Skingley, Director of Hospital In-Vitro Diagnostics Roche
Dr Manu Vatish, Senior Clinical Fellow and Consultant in Obstetrics
Miriam Willmott-Powell, NIHR Portfolio Research Midwife, University of Oxford & John Radcliffe Hospital
