Pathology Transformation Project
In late 2018, we announced an exciting Pathology Transformation Project for the Divisions of Surgical Pathology, Cytology and Autopsy as well as the support services. This project includes the purchase and installation of a specimen tracking system and other equipment (microtomes, embedding station and cryostat). This project will give us an opportunity to review our processes across all areas to look for improvements and efficiencies. It’s a great chance to decide what works for us and what could use some improvement. The hospital capital committee is supporting Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PaLM) with $770,000 to invest in specimen tracking and equipment replacement.
Dr. Bret Wehrli and Audrey Ellis are the leads on this project. They have been working with the project design team to establish a project charter, create a project organizational chart and have begun to initiate activities to engage vendors for their specimen tracking system solutions. We are anticipating a RFP by June 2019. It is estimated to take over 2 years until completion. The purchase of replacement equipment which includes microtomes, embedding station and a cryostat will commence shortly.
The design team held the official kick off meeting on Wednesday, May 15. They introduced the project team, reviewed the project charter and shared the work that has been done thus far on workflow analysis.
The project will involve many different staff (MLTs, MLAs, PAs, clerical, pathologists and leadership). There will be opportunities for staff to sit on specific working groups. Whether or not you participate on a working group, we will be seeking everyone’s feedback - all will have an opportunity to contribute.
