Events on 26 September 2023

Pathology services across the UK are increasingly working together as formal or informal networks, to support improved patient care.

This session provides an overview of accreditation options and considerations for pathology networks.

ISO15189:2012 had reached its periodic review date and there was international consensus that it needed revision. The new version was published on 6th December 2022 and there are some key changes which include an emphasis on a patient-focused approach and to promote the welfare of patients - i.e. putting the patient at the heart of the service. There is also more emphasis on a risk-based approach to the Quality Management system. In addition, ISO 22870 (POCT) has been incorporated into ISO 15189:2022.

This presentation will review POCT definitions, highlight key considerations for currently accredited POCT services and also for organisations considering applying for accreditation to include (or extend) POCT in their scope.

POCT is referenced implicitly throughout ISO 15189:2022 and with additional distinct requirements as an Annex A.

The presentation will discuss generic POCT services, and highlight considerations on both current POCT services and also emphasise considerations for planning new POCT services, and that overall, when compared with ISO 22870:2016, things have not changed as much as one would think. Principles are similar, and POCT could even be considered as another specialty within pathology, regardless of where it is or managed from.

Post-pandemic respiratory viral infections in hospitals

Globally, arthropod-borne viral diseases represent one the of greatest threats to public and animal health. Vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks and midges transmit a vast range of viruses. For the UK, historically free of many arthropod-borne pathogens, events in mainland Europe have had a profound impact on the risk of disease emergence and this trend will continue. Mosquito-borne viruses provide an example of this process where the introduction of exotic species, such as the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) across much of Europe, has increased the risk of emergence of human pathogens such as dengue and chikungunya fever. This mosquito species has also been detected in southern England.

In recent decades there has been a dramatic increase in the distribution of zoonotic viruses such as West Nile and Usutu in mainland Europe that are making the introduction of these pathogens through short distance bird migration increasingly likely. This has been realised with the repeated detection of Usutu virus in Central London during the late summer months since 2020. In the absence of vaccines against many of these viruses, early detection linked to public awareness campaigns offer the best options for mitigating the impact of these threats.

Eco-epidemiology of tick-borne encephalitis virus in the UK

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is the most widely distributed hard tick-borne disease in the world.

Different factors, such as a better knowledge of the disease, but also trade, modifications of the migratory bird routes and, probably, the climate change are favouring its increase.

The example of the emergence in Spain will be reviewed.

Leadership wellbeing is about cultivating an environment of care, for others around you but also importantly for yourself.

Taking an active approach on wellbeing leads to better communication, efficiency and ultimately higher performance. It has a huge impact on staff retention, allowing staff to feel seen and understood, and giving them the opportunity to explore their creativity. Wellbeing starts with self-reflection to understand individual obstacles. Creating a space to identify these, allows the member to respond appropriately, thereby not reacting immediately.

Discussing some helpful tips and taking part in a few activities, we hope that members will take some of these useful tools to their own areas to use.