The programme
08:30
Registration & Networking
Registration - Open from 8:30 am - Closes at 11:00 am
All delegates must complete their registration process before the 11:00 AM cut-off time. Please arrive in a timely manner to allow for registration and to avoid any inconvenience. Delegates who arrive after the registration deadline will be refused entry to the event.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain the event's schedule and ensuring that everyone can fully participate in the Conference. If you have any questions or require assistance, our event staff will be available to assist you with the registration process.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to an insightful and productive event together!
09:30
Chair Opening Address - Shaping the Future of NHS Pathology: Delivering on the Long-Term Plan (Confirmed)
Mr Chris Sleight MSc BSc FIBMS
Ex Diagnostics Leader within the NHS
The Chair opens with an overview of how pathology sits at the heart of the NHS Long Term Plan from modernising laboratories and expanding workforce capacity, to using innovation to meet rising demand.
09:40
Keynote Presentation - Beyond Structure: How Leadership, Culture and Capability Drive Successful Pathology Network Transformation (Confirmed)
Joanna Andrew
Lead Biomedical Scientist, SHYPS & IBMS Past President
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospital FT
Session Overview:
The Scarborough, Hull, York Pathology Service is a maturing network. It is a hosted joint venture and went live on 1st November 2021. The presentation will focus on my experience over the last 4 years and how we can continue to drive transformation.
10:00
Knowledge Exchange Panel - What’s Beyond the Networks? Reflections from Former Pathology Leaders (Speakers TBC)
Mr Chris Sleight MSc BSc FIBMS
Ex Diagnostics Leader within the NHS
Bruce Daniel
Head of Pathology
NHS England – South West Region
Graham Danks
Group Operational Manager
Black Country Pathology Services
Facilitator:
Bruce Daniel, Deputy Director of Diagnostics, NHS England (Confirmed)
Speakers:
- Chris Sleight – Previous C-Level Pathology Network Leader, GM Diagnostics Network (Confirmed)
- Dr Anthony Rowbottom, Consultant Clinical Scientist & Former Head of Pathology/Blood Sciences, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals (Invited)
- Graham Danks, Former Digital Diagnostics & Pathology Network Programme Director (Confirmed)
Session Overview:
This unique Knowledge Exchange Panel brings together senior diagnostics and pathology network leaders for an open, reflective discussion on what happens beyond the network journey, what they learned, what they would approach differently, and what the next generation of leaders must prioritise.
With insights spanning blood sciences, digital diagnostics, genomics, interoperability, and regional network leadership, the panel will offer a rare, candid view into the realities of delivering transformation at scale.
Facilitated by NHS England, the conversation will explore:
- Governance and operational identity across networks
- Workforce models and culture-building
- Digital maturity, LIMS lessons, and interoperability challenges
- Aligning local realities with national diagnostic strategy
- The leadership traits required for the next phase of system-wide diagnostics reform
Expect honest reflections, practical advice, and system-wide learning unavailable anywhere else.
10:30
Main Sponsor - Improving Diagnostic Turnaround Times in Histopathology
Jade Erwin
Digital Integrations Manager
Source LDPath
Main Sponsor - Source LDPath
What would it mean for you to be able to quantify digital pathology implementation for your hospital / department? If only it were as simple as it sounds. A walk-through updated NHS requirements for histopathology TATs and what the private sector can do to support you in achieving them. Focus will be on case studies to date and the Health Economic Model for Digital Pathology.
Morning Break
Networking & exhibition with digital pathology suppliers and workforce support initiatives.
11:50
Chair Morning Reflection (Confirmed)
Mr Chris Sleight MSc BSc FIBMS
Ex Diagnostics Leader within the NHS
Chair Morning Reflection (Confirmed)
11:55
Case Study - ProfilerLive
Case Study - ProfilerLive
About us:
ProfilerLive is a cutting-edge digital training and competency management platform designed to streamline workforce training and compliance processes. ProfilerLive enables organisations to automate training, track competency progress in real time, and ensure regulatory compliance. With its intuitive interface, real-time reporting, and comprehensive analytics, ProfilerLive empowers managers to make data-driven decisions and optimise workforce planning.
Case Study - Diagnexia
About us:
Diagnexia stands at the forefront of digital pathology services in the UK, providing an innovative, on-demand network of expert subspecialty pathologists dedicated to supporting the NHS and healthcare providers across the UK. With a commitment to speed, compliance, and expertise, Diagnexia offers a swift 3-5 day turnaround for primary diagnostic reports and 7-10 days for secondary consults, ensuring timely and accurate diagnostic services. Recognised for its digital excellence, Diagnexia facilitates seamless, intuitive reporting and case management from anywhere, ensuring that the NHS, has access to top pathology minds, thereby enhancing patient outcomes, reducing backlogs, and ensuring balanced workloads across pathology departments.
12:35
Leadership Lessons from the Front Line - Transfusion at the Centre: Risk, Governance and Real-Time Diagnostics in a Modern Pathology Network (Confirmed)
Chris Elliott
Assistant Director Pathology: Business Development and Transformation
NHS Blood and Transplant
Transfusion is one of the smallest diagnostic disciplines by volume, yet one of the most safety-critical, operating under real-time clinical pressure, stringent MHRA regulation, and increasingly complex digital workflows. As pathology networks evolve and ICS-based diagnostic models mature, transfusion services must modernise without compromising responsiveness or safety.
In this session, Chris Elliott draws on decades of experience in national and regional transfusion modernisation to explore:
- How risk-based thinking actually works in a live, safety-critical diagnostic environment
- The real operational differences between centralised, federated and hybrid transfusion models
- Why governance failure in transfusion escalates faster than in other blood sciences
- The interoperability barriers still slowing down safe digital transfusion pathways, and what it will take to fix them
- How to balance MHRA expectations, workforce flexibility, and technological change without destabilising service delivery
- Lessons from implementing remote issue, electronic requesting/reporting, and cross-discipline workforce models
Packed with practical examples and honest reflections, this session provides a grounded view of how to modernise transfusion safely within wider pathology transformation, and what leaders must understand before re-designing services that cannot fail.
12:55
Case Study - Building Diagnostic Capability at Scale: Supporting Workforce Excellence Through UK NEQAS CPT Digital Education
Mrs Chantell Hodgson
Scheme Director
UK NEQAS Cellular Pathology Technique
Ms Lorren Mitchell
Scheme Manager
UK NEQAS Cellular Pathology Technique
Case Study - UK NEQAS
Pathology, genomics, and digital diagnostics underpin the majority of clinical decision-making across the NHS, yet sustainable transformation depends as much on workforce capability as on technology adoption. As diagnostic services move towards integrated, data-driven models, there is a growing need for accessible, high-quality education that supports professional development, role advancement, and confident clinical practice. Pressures on staffing, service delivery, and training capacity have made it difficult for laboratories to provide protected learning time and equitable access to education across disciplines.
UK NEQAS Cellular Pathology Technique (CPT) has evolved beyond its established role in external quality assessment to deliver a comprehensive digital education ecosystem aligned with modern diagnostic workflows that complements local training provision rather than competing with it. Through its eLearning platform, interpretive proficiency testing, and case-based educational resources, UK NEQAS CPT supports both generic and cellular pathology education across all roles, disciplines, and career stages.
The UK NEQAS CPT eLearning platform provides flexible, self-paced learning designed around real-world laboratory challenges, digital pathology practice, and evolving professional roles. Content is developed by subject matter experts and is aligned with professional standards thus supporting continuous professional development, portfolio evidence, and competency demonstration. Importantly, learning is closely aligned with routine diagnostic practice, supporting pattern recognition, decision-making confidence, and reflective learning within clinical workflows.
By embedding education alongside quality assurance, UK NEQAS CPT enables measurable capability-building rather than isolated training interventions. This approach directly supports NHS priorities including the Digital Diagnostics Capability programme, integrated diagnostics pathways, workforce sustainability, and equitable access to education across systems and geographies.
This session will demonstrate how UK NEQAS CPT’s integrated educational offer can support system-wide diagnostic excellence by developing confident, competent professionals who are equipped to work across digitally enabled, interoperable diagnostic services. Attendees will gain insight into how education can be positioned as core infrastructure for diagnostic transformation, supporting both patient outcomes and workforce progression.
Lunch and Networking
Networking, food & exhibition with digital pathology suppliers and workforce support initiatives.
14:00
Chair Afternoon Address - Reflections & Realignment: Keeping Transformation on Track (Confirmed)
Mr Chris Sleight MSc BSc FIBMS
Ex Diagnostics Leader within the NHS
The Chair reviews morning insights and sets out how afternoon sessions will deepen focus on case studies and actionable strategies to achieve the NHS vision for diagnostics and early detection.
14:25
NHS Deep Dive 1 - Building a Connected Regional Laboratory Informatics System (Confirmed)
Lisa Sewell
NEY Genomic Medicine Service Digital Data and Informatics Director
Newcastle Hospitals
This focused session explores the practical journey of delivering a regional informatics laboratory system , from design and integration through to supplier accountability.
Drawing on real-world lessons, the discussion will unpack how to align purpose-built systems with regional needs, embed interoperability across the wider pathology ecosystem, and drive meaningful supplier engagement so that partners don’t just listen, but act.
15:05
NHS Deep Dive – Becoming a Thriving Pathology Network: Lessons from NWLP’s Journey Across the Maturity Matrix (Confirmed)
Matthew Connell
Director of Digital, Data and IT
North West London Pathology
Angela Jean-Francois CSci FIBMS HCPC
Director of Operations
North West London Pathology
Session Overview:
NWLP is one of only a handful of NHS pathology networks operating at a fully “thriving” level across every domain of the NHSE maturity matrix. This session provides a practical, evidence-backed walkthrough of how NWLP achieved sustainable operational, digital and cultural maturity.
From governance structures to digital optimisation and workforce capability, Matthew will share actionable insights that networks can directly apply regardless of size, geography, or current maturity stage.
Key Learning Areas:
- Building and sustaining network-wide operational identity.
- Governance that drives accountability and measurable outcomes.
- Workforce models that support resilience and development.
- Digital and LIMS optimisation for standardisation and safety.
- Applying outcomes-focused maturity evidence.
15:25
Main Plenary Skill Clinic - Risk-Based Thinking in Modern Diagnostics: Safety, Cyber Diligence & System Resilience (Panellists TBC)
Bruce Daniel
Head of Pathology
NHS England – South West Region
Dr Branko Perunovic
Chief Medical Officer
Black Country Pathology Service
Chris Elliott
Assistant Director Pathology: Business Development and Transformation
NHS Blood and Transplant
Facilitator:
- Bruce Daniel, Head of Pathology, NHS England – South West Region (Confirmed)
Speakers:
- Haris Shuaib – Founder & CEO, Newton’s Tree; Consultant Clinical Scientist; Director, NHS Fellowship in Clinical AI (Invited)
- Branko Perunovic – Chief Medical Officer, Black Country Pathology Service (Confirmed)
- Francesca Trundle – Managing Director, Kent and Medway Pathology Network (KMPN) (Invited)
Session Overview:
This panel explores how risk-based thinking is reshaping diagnostic governance, bringing together safety, cyber security, data integrity, and system resilience as interconnected responsibilities within pathology networks.
Delegates will gain practical insight into how risk mapping across people, processes, and digital systems can support safer diagnostics, protect LIMS-dependent workflows, and strengthen ICS-wide resilience.
Key Themes:
- The rise of cyber safety as a diagnostic safety issue.
- How networks can share risk intelligence across regions.
- Mapping risk across digital, workforce, and clinical pathways.
- Practical tools, frameworks and checklists for operational use.
15:25
Breakout Skill Clinic - Evaluating Digital Effectiveness: From Function to Outcomes (Panellists TBC)
Noman Manzoor
Pathology Laboratory Director, General Manager Pathology , Transfusion and Mortuary Services
South 4 Pathology Partnership Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Digital transformation in diagnostics is often measured by system deployment, not system impact.
This breakout Skill Clinic reframes evaluation using the “Form, Function, Outcomes, Capability” framework to assess what digital investment truly delivers for patients and staff.
Delegates will work through applied templates for assessing interoperability, quality improvement, and workforce capability, ensuring digital tools translate into measurable service value.
15:55
Food, Drinks & Networking
Food, Drinks & Networking
Networking, food, drinks & exhibition with digital pathology suppliers and workforce support initiatives.
