Mission Matters Issue 3 Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 13
They are the bridge between the lab
and the bedside.
The recent refurbishments of our
Specimen Reception department and
our new Pathology flow cytometry
laboratory, represent a massive leap
forward. While new paint and benches
are nice, the real pride of a modern
pathology lab lies in the 8digital and
automated revolution9 that these
upgrades enable.
The change that staff are likely most
proud of is the transition from being
8bench scientists9 to 8data and
diagnostic partners.9 Laboratory staff
regularly sit down with surgeons,
oncologists, and nurses to discuss
complex cases.
Clinical Collaborators: In the multidisciplinary world in which they now live,
pathology workers have gone from being 'bench scientists' to 'data and diagnostic
partners
In these meetings, the pathologist
isn't just presenting a report; they are
a key member of the care team,
actively brainstorming the best way to
save or improve that specific patient's
life. In summary, the patient is the
most important person in the
laboratory, even if they are never
physically there.
Patient Guardians: In Mater Pathology a huge part of the 'human' side is being
the patient’s silent advocate - scientists treat every sample with extreme care
Digital Pathology (Whole Slide Imaging)
The Change: Traditionally, a pathologist had to be physically present to look through a glass slide under a
microscope. Now, slides are scanned into high-resolution digital images
The Pride Factor: This allows for instant global collaboration. A complex case in your hospital can be shared
digitally with a world-leading expert across the world in seconds. It also opens the door for Artificial
Intelligence (AI) to assist pathologists by pre-screening slides to highlight areas of concern, ensuring nothing is
missed
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