Pathology resources

On this page you will find pathology publications produced by NHS Improvement. For other pathology resources, please visit the following:

• Department of Health resources
• Other

NHS Improvement publications

	First steps towards quality improvement: A simple guide to improving services (December 2011)
	First steps in improving phlebotomy: The challenge to improve quality, productivity and patient experience In Lord Carter’s review of pathology services, the importance of improving access to phlebotomy was referenced. Working in partnership with the Department of Health Pathology Programme, NHS Improvement supported four pilot sites to test whether Lean methodology could meet the challenge of improving the quality, productivity, and patient experience for phlebotomy services (Published May 2011).
	What a difference a day makes Small improvements at each step of the end to end pathway, as little as one hour or one day, support users to deliver effective MDTs, redesign outpatient clinics and improve the patient experience and outcomes (Published January 2011).
	Learning how to achieve a seven day turnaround in histopathology Reducing the intervals between specimens being taken and results being made available will reduce the period of uncertainty for patients and will help to ensure that treatment can be started as soon as clinically appropriate. For inpatients reduced histopathology turnaround times can lead to reductions in lengths of stay.(Published November 2010).
	Learning from Pathology service improvement sites As referred to in the Carter review, this publication demonstrates that achievements can be made rapidly, for little or no cost. (Published August 2006).

What a Difference a Day Makes - (Oct 2005)

National Framework for Pathology Service Improvement - (Sept 2005)

Challenges and Top Tips for Pathology Service Improvement - (Sept 2005)

Modernising Pathology Services Toolkit - (May 2005)