First steps towards quality improvement: A simple guide to improving services
(December 2011)

Continuous improvement in cytology - sustaining and accelerating improvement
The Cancer Reform Strategy made a promise that all women would receive their screening results within two weeks by 2010, the next challenge was sustainability. This publication demonstrates how the pilot sites have continued to embed their improvements throughout the cytology pathway. It includes practical examples in reducing turnaround times, improving quality, safety and productivity (Published October 2010). Note: the visual management photo library mentioned in this guide will be available soon.

Cytology improvement guide - achieving a 14 day turnaround time in Cytology
This guide highlights the findings and improvements from the pilot sites who tested how the 14 day standards can be achieved using Lean methodology.This practical guide is supported by tried and tested case studies across the whole patient pathway which NHS staff involved in the screening pathway can adopt and adapt to meet their local setting. (Published November 2009).

Bringing Lean to Life
We all come to work to do our very best. To achieve what we are capable of and to add real value to our jobs - no one wants to get it wrong. However, the reality is that everyday mistakes have become all too common in the workplace, especially in the health service. Healthcare teams are dedicated and skilled professionals who are often under pressure to do their best and work terrifically hard – but often with inadequate processes. "Bringing Lean to Life" provides a basic introduction and overview of Lean; the culture, principles and tools to understand, tackle and resolve issues within healthcare. It is not intended as a complete guide to implementing Lean as a management system.