Emma Parker

Emma is currently responsible for the team implementing COVID-19 antibody testing at Pathology First. Emma explains her Pathology First journey and how she became the project leader for this crucial service.

“From as early as 11 years old I remember being interested in science and inspired by my Mum. At 32 years’ of age, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and my original plan was to find a cure.”

“I studied for a BSc in Immunology at the University of East London prior to becoming a Biomedical Scientist, completing my specialist portfolio in Medical Microbiology. I then secured a team manager role by gaining a MSc in Biomedical Science.

I was working for the pathology department of Southend Hospital when it became part of iPP, which is now part of SYNLAB. I was majorly involved in implementing the total laboratory automation (BD Kietsra) in the new hub lab. I received Lean training before starting my Level 5 diploma in Leadership and Management.

I was lucky to join the new SYNLAB Transformation System (STS) team and I completed my Lean green belt training, my STS certification, my diploma and secured my Business Transformation Manager role.

As the pandemic started to hit, I wanted to support the team in any way I could so applied for the lead role in managing the setup of COVID-19 antibody testing for Pathology First. This urgent project brought together my STS background and lab leadership experience, creating a workstream involving all the pathology disciplines. It not only brings new testing capabilities, it involves a lot of key people from both hospital trusts and the three laboratories that make up Pathology First.”

Pathology First is one of our NHS partnerships. Created in 2014, it has delivered a major transformation of pathology services for two NHS hospital trusts, which are now part of the recently formed Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. Patients and clinicians benefit from faster testing turnaround times, waiting times for phlebotomy blood tests have reduced significantly, and the NHS has saved up to 20p in every pound spent on pathology testing services. Up until the start of the pandemic, Pathology First was processing an average of 56,000 tests every day.