Cytology - News and events
Latest news
Cytology Results for Women - 98.6 % of women get results in two weeks !
The NHS Cytology Screening programme have recently published the Cytology Annual review. The article with a forward from Paul Birstow Minister of State for Care Services, highlights the importance Early diagnosis of cancer will play in saving lives, and screening is pivotal to improving outcomes by detecting cancers earlier making treatment more effective.
The role of improvement is highlighted by Lesley Wright – Director – Diagnostics NHS Improvement, who draws on the four key changes identified by the national pilots sites which brought about substantial reductions in end-to-end waiting times across the screening pathway.
Two NHS Improvement documents have been instrumental in achieving these excellent results:
 | 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). |
Soundbites:
These films also share best practice in achieving a two-week turnaround of cervical screening test results.
National Clinical Lead for cytology appointed
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Simon Knowles as National Clinical Lead (NCL) for Cytology Service Improvement at NHS Improvement.
Simon joins us with a wealth of experience in Cytology improvement including Lean techniques and is the clinical lead for Phase 1 Cytology pilot site in Taunton.
As agreed with the Cancer Programme Board his role is to offer support and advice to health communities to ensure delivery of the 14 day vital sign. This can be provided in the form of:
- Direct telephone advice
- Email correspondence – simon.knowles.nhs.net
- Site visits
- Support for local workshops and events
Other news
Congratulations to the Cytology team at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton who were awarded “Team of the Year” by their trust in recognition of their Lean programme.