As part of National Pathology Week 2023, David Brayshaw, Director of Laboratory Medicine at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, shares his insight into a career in Pathology. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is a member of the GM Pathology Network.
What is your area of expertise?
Multi-disciplined Biomedical Scientist, with specialisation in Microbiology, Virology and Molecular Sciences, gained through a career spanning armed forces, commercial and public sector environments.
How did you develop skills in this area?
My laboratory career commenced in the 80’s as a Medical Technician, Class Laboratory in the Royal Navy. Initial training was undertaken at the Institute of Pathology & Tropical Medicine, RAF Halton, which provided a firm multi-disciplinary understanding and gained an ONC. This was followed by day release to NESCOT to achieve a HNC which enabled me to become registered by the CPSM.
I worked my way through the ranks to achieve Chief Petty Officer and awarded a BSc, MSc and FIBMS. Whilst in service I served on-board HMS Ark Royal during the Bosnian crisis, managed field hospitals in support of Royal Marine Commando units and in the final years of service headed up the Microbiology and Viral Serology Departments at RNH Haslar.
Following 10 years’ service in the Royal Navy, I migrated into the commercial arena of laboratory science, working initially as a sales representative for the sales arm of the Institute Pasteur and subsequently joined one of the largest global diagnostics companies working my way up to the position of UK and Ireland Sales Manager for Molecular Diagnostics.
Following more than a decade within the commercial arena I joined the NHS in 2009 taking on the role as Directorate Manager for Laboratory Medicine at Central Manchester. Following various consolidations and mergers I took on the role of Director of Laboratory Medicine for MFT which hosts one of the largest laboratory complexes in the UK. The laboratory provides extensive primary, secondary and tertiary services, locally, regionally and nationally.
Why did you choose a career in Pathology?
I wanted to couple my love for biological science with healthcare and a need for adventure. Joining the Royal Navy joined up all those dots to provide exactly that.
What does a typical day involve?
I am an early riser so arriving at the lab early responding to the numerous emails before everyone else arrives and the daily scheduled meetings begin.
A typical day will be a mix of face to face and MS teams meetings spread across the day with email time scheduled in. No two days are the same and there is always another challenge to face during the daily routine.
What’s been your biggest inspiration?
The best days are when I have time to step outside the office and visit a department, and meet with the staff who are inspiring. Listening to how they have driven forward the science or kept a service running despite challenges, by applying their knowledge and can-do attitude just continues to impress.
Working with driven laboratory leaders both clinical and operational to develop our services is extremely rewarding. The departmental teams are committed to the science and developing our services to improve quality. They continue to engage with commissioners taking forward some great ideas and suggestions to meet clinical need.
Has the role changed?
15 years ago I joined the Trust to lead the laboratories which were located at Oxford Road Campus. Since then, MFT has grown, and now represents a laboratory network located at four hospital locations.
The activity undertaken has significantly increased alongside the workforce which now exceeds 1,000 staff. With such an expansion in service offering comes the need to develop service strategies supported by detailed planning, this facilitates an increase in knowledge, skills and experience.
What is the best thing about your job?
Working with such an enthusiastic team of staff spanning all pay grades and across various laboratory locations is fantastic. Reviewing business cases and strategies, leading to discussion with departments in regards to how the changes will improve patient management is both interesting and gratifying.
Identifying potential future leaders and working with them to develop their skill set is also key to the future of our services and a real positive.
What advice would you give to someone looking for a career in Pathology?
I’d encourage anyone to delve deeper into Laboratory Medicine because the profession has plenty to offer and is very varied in its delivery.
There is so much variety across the disciplines and there are plenty of opportunities to develop within the profession, and a career in the NHS also opens many other avenues within healthcare