LAncashire & south cumbria pathology network leadership development
“I have gained so much personally and professionally from my participation in the course. The course provided me with the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and be involved in Quality Improvements in a way that I would not be able to as part of my day- to-day role. I have found skills that I didn’t realise I possessed and developed new skills. I have a newfound confidence in my abilities and now know that if I put my mind to something, I have the determination to see it through. I have discovered a passion for Quality Improvements and projects. Thank you to those who have supported and believed in me.”
Gill Crankshaw, Workforce Strategy & Transformation Lead, LSC Pathology Network, shared:
The Lancashire and South Cumbria (LSC) Pathology Network have worked with the NHS North West Leadership Academy to support them to deliver and commission a Leadership Development Programme for new or aspiring leaders working within pathology services. As part of the findings from Sir Mike Richard’s independent review of Diagnostic Services for NHS England, Recovery and Renewal, and the LSC Integrated Care Board Transformation Agenda, it has been recognised that a key enabler to deliver against these complex agendas would be the leaders from across the pathology network. Significant challenges and opportunities lie ahead in delivering service transformation within LSC and the aim behind the programme was to support colleagues to develop the required leadership skills, knowledge and behaviours to lead the transformation of pathology services.
The six month programme, which concluded in in April 2025, provided participants with a valuable opportunity to immerse themselves in a transformative learning experience. Throughout the programme they: Reflected on their working preferences and impact of their approach, considering new ways to enhance their effectiveness. Explored leadership theory and applied theory and the latest thinking into practice.
Whilst on the programme participants identified a project that would support the transformation agenda and enable them to embed their learning from the programme. Examples of the projects that have begun include:
Emergency Department (ED) Major Haemorrhage Protocol Red Leader
GP Common System
“As we move forward with the creation of a single service for L&SC Pathology Service we needed to consider how we develop our leaders, providing them with skills and knowledge to assist them in taking the service forward. “We wanted to develop a Pathology specific leadership course that would bring new and future leaders of our service together.”
In December 2025 the current system used by UHMBT will no longer be supported for GP requests into the service. A steering group has been set up with an SRO to develop a system with improved functionality, which will enable efficient and reliable processing of GP requests for Pathology tests and requesting Radiology investigations. It is hoped that the impact will be standardisation of clinical pathways, meaning that data sharing and patient care will be easier to progress with common systems and architecture, therefore improving user experience and outcomes.
This project has two aims:
1. To develop a “Red Leader” proforma to reduce ED blood component wastage and improve communication between ED Blood Transfusion and the lab. 2. A trial of blood unit temperature monitoring devices, as another means of trying to reduce wastage due to temperature control. The “Red Leader” proforma has recently been launched within Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and when fully implemented will improve adherence to blood product ratios, bringing life-saving bloods to patients and contribute to financial savings.
Annelise Chambers, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Participant
Applied learning in current and developing working practices.
By developing leadership capabilities and commencing these projects, Pathology colleagues will have begun to support the development of Single Pathology Service for LSC; along with working towards the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan (LTWP) – Growing the workforce and the objective to “increase productivity and service redesign, enlarging capacity and the impact on patient experience and access to care.”
Engaged in an Action Learning Group (ALG), collaborating with colleagues facing similar challenges. Accessed NHS NWLA mentoring and coaching support to further their development.
Built valuable connections across the wider pathology network
nw.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk | Leader
Leader | nw.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk
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