Lancaster Microbiology
Lancaster Acute Hospitals
NHS Trust
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HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
Britain has always enjoyed international acclaim for the quality of its pathology services. These have always been medically directed with strong links between laboratory testing and clinical advice. With the changes in the economy in the 1980's the more forward-looking departments began to see if they could bring these strengths to bear in the commercial sector, to the profit of their hospitals.
Over the last ten years Dr David Telford, a consultant microbiologist, has developed a commercial microbiology department for the Lancaster Acute NHS Trust. This started in a modest way, servicing private healthcare and developing new anti-infectives, but soon expanded into food and environmental microbiology. The department maintains a healthy growth and is broadening its operations. Initially the enterprise was manned by clinical microbiology staff but as business grew it became obvious that we would need dedicated staff for the commercial department. In 1992 Helen Hartropp, a food microbiologist, was employed and she has since been joined by three laboratory assistants. Whilst staff now completely separate, the commercial department still draws heavily on the material resources and expertise of the clinical department.
The customer base is now nation-wide and diversification continues in food, environmental and veterinary microbiology and in contract research. Commercial business methods are continually being developed and improved. Standard operating procedures and quality systems are being implemented with a view to participating in a nation-wide accreditation scheme, the National Measurement Accreditation Service (NAMAS). We participate in the National External Quality Control Scheme run by the Public Health Laboratory service.
The close link between high quality testing and professional advice, a traditional Health Service strength, is appreciated by commercial customers. This, combined with the flexibility necessitated by a competitive commercial environment, has brought a high degree of customer loyalty and adds value to our services.
Many laboratories struggle to maintain a balance between high professional standards and commercial expedience. We believe we have got this balance right.
March 1997
Contact Helen Hartropp 01524 583769
(UK International Code 44)