Three patients with lived experience recently toured the Pathology Laboratory at The Royal Oldham Hospital
Jaqueline Jackson, Sue Scott and Brian Stott, who each have personal experiences, were invited to view digital pathology tools that allow clinicians to analyse high-resolution images of tissue samples. These digital slides, stored electronically, can be magnified, and shared between hospitals, leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses.
The tour was led by the following team:
- Beth Tumilty, Programme Lead for Digital Pathology from Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network
- Ana Del Luna, Senior Biomedical Scientist at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
- Dr. Luisa Motta, Consultant Histopathologist at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
- Dr. Sheethal Shanibi, Consultant Histopathologist at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
- Matthew Goodwin, Biomedical Scientist at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
It provided a comprehensive overview of the entire pathology process, from sample collection to diagnosis. The highlight of the tour was a live demonstration of digital pathology technology, where the visitors were able to observe how pathologists use the software to review digital slides and detect abnormalities, such as cancerous cells, with unprecedented precision.
Dr. Luisa Motta said, ‘This is not about changing our microscopes for expensive gadgets; it’s about providing the best possible care for our patients and seeing what the technology is enabling us to do.’
‘It’s amazing what goes on behind the scenes; it’s like an iceberg, we see the tip but most of it is under the surface. I found it quite fascinating about the way things are changing.’ said Brian Stott, who had been treated for colorectal cancer in 2021.
Sue Scott, who had lung cancer and chemotherapy in 2019, said, ‘I just found the whole tour absolutely amazing, and I think understanding what’s going on behind the scenes makes it a lot more beneficial for the patient. I think it’s amazing the way the whole team is all about patient care. You would imagine we’re just a slide or just a specimen. And to see the way going forward with the digital side of things, I think it’s amazing, you can see the way forward for the future.’
Beth Tumilty, Programme Lead for Digital Pathology emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and patients. ‘Digital pathology not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also allows us to engage patients more directly in their care. These tours are a step towards greater patient involvement, empowering them with knowledge and fostering a deeper trust in the medical process.’
The third patient, Jaqueline Jackson, who had bowel cancer a few years ago and was successfully treated, noted how this tour exemplified a shift towards transparency in healthcare. ‘For me, it’s about knowing the different stages. You see it on a piece of paper, your diagnosis, and you’ve got that communication with your consultant, but you don’t see what the process is and how they make the decision. I knew that I needed chemotherapy, but in the back of my mind, I’m thinking, who made that decision and how did they make that decision. Now I know, how by looking at cells and looking at the biopsies they took, how that came about. I found it really interesting but informative as well, and it just makes me more thankful for all the teams that got me where I am today. ‘
Digital pathology is being rolled out to seven laboratories across Greater Manchester, which will allow pathologists from different organisations to collaborate, reduce turnaround times, and improve diagnostic outcomes. Part of the Northern Care Alliance, The Royal Oldham Hospital is the first laboratory to start using the technology.