Background

The Provider Strategy Board had tasked the area to form a single pathology service over the next 2 years reducing costs by £4.6m. Pathology network combining all three sites and creating centres of excellence for microbiology at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire which would double annual volumes with currently no capacity to process within acceptable timescales.

Project focus areas

This project focused on the microbiology laboratory within University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire focusing on the reduction of sample testing cycle times. The improvement focus was split into:

• Sample flow through the lab
• Roles & responsibilities of the staff
• Stock availability and control
• Making the environment fit for purpose

Our customized approach

A team was formed comprising all the areas of microbiology plus other representatives from within pathology to give a rounded perspective. We then undertook the following programme of:

• Training
• Preparation work and Value Stream Mapping
• Rapid Improvement Event
• Sustainability

Results

• 75% increase in laboratory productivity through 75% decrease in the specimen pathway allowing more capacity for volume of samples through the laboratory.
• All swabs and urines received by 4 pm to be processed on the same day instead of only 70% through improved front end process efficiency.
• Standardized working practices and prioritization requirements across the lab, clear roles & responsibilities for all job roles.
• Much needed extra space and light to the plate reading processes gained by re-organisation of the lab layout.
• 75% decreased in cycle time for waste management and decreased storage requirements significantly.
• Set the laboratory up for the move of virology to enable the most efficient use of the additional space.

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