Pathology
The Pathology Department at Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides facilities for the analysis of biological material from patients for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease. The aim is to provide an extensive repertoire of tests, available at the times they are clinically required so that the treatment of patients is appropriate, timely and effective.
Staff teams include Consultant Pathologists, Biomedical Scientists, Scientific Officers, Assistant Technical Officers and clerical staff.
The specialities include:
• Cellular Pathology including Cytology and the Mortuary
• Clinical Chemistry, including Immunology and Semenology
• Haematology including Blood Transfusion
• Microbiology including Virology
• Stamford Laboratory which incorporates on-site chemistry, haematology and transfusion.
Microbiology, Cellular Pathology, Stamford Laboratory and Haematology take part in external reviews by CPA (Clinical Pathology Accreditation). In April 2009 the status of the departments was:
Microbiology – accredited.
Cellular Pathology – awaiting assessment
Stamford – conditional approval.
Haematology – conditional approval.
Clinical biochemistry is currently non-accredited but is aiming to apply for assessment during 2009.
The equipment is modern and up to date and all qualified staff are fully trained.
The department is nationally recognised as a training environment for Biomedical Scientists.
The core opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Where appropriate, out of hours emergency requests are dealt with by BMS oncall rotas whereas for Haematology and Chemistry, BMS staff are available on site 24 hours, seven days a week. Out of hours Consultant advice is available via switchboard.
Lab Tests Online has been developed as an online facility to assist patients in understanding the lab tests that are used in diagnosis and treatment. To visit the site click on the www.labtestsonline.org.uk/ and follow the on-screen instructions.
