Bamidele Farinre
Pathology Quality Manager/Governance Lead
Whittington Hospital NHS is a district general and teaching hospital of UCL Medical School and Middlesex University School of Health and Social Sciences in London, UK. Whittington NHS Pathology department is comprised of the following specialist laboratories: ▪ Biochemistry / Hematology (Blood Sciences) ▪ Blood Transfusion ▪ Microbiology / Andrology / Immunology ▪ Mortuary
My role as a Pathology Quality Manager is behind-the-scenes and not patient-facing. It primarily involves overseeing and ensuring the quality and accuracy of diagnostic processes and laboratory operations in a healthcare facility. I am also responsible for implementing and maintaining quality assurance protocols and regulatory compliance to uphold patient safety and efficient pathology services. Additionally, I work on continuous improvement initiatives to optimize the overall performance and standards of the pathology department.
In my role as a Pathology Quality Manager, I find great satisfaction in knowing that my work directly contributes to patient safety. It's incredibly fulfilling to see the tangible impact on patient care when diagnostic processes are accurate and reliable. Ensuring regulatory compliance provides a sense of accomplishment. Knowing that the Pathology department meets or exceeds industry standards and regulations is a crucial component of patient safety, and it's something I take pride in. I also appreciate the opportunity to implement preventive measures. Proactively working to prevent errors or adverse events is not only professionally rewarding, but also deeply satisfying on a personal level.
My typical day as a Pathology Quality Manager is dynamic and multifaceted. There is a strong emphasis on data analysis, problem-solving, collaboration, and continuous improvement—all aimed at ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and diagnostic accuracy. I start the day by reviewing any overnight reports or incidents related to diagnostic quality or patient safety. This helps me prioritize tasks for the day and identify any urgent issues that need immediate attention. I regularly meet with laboratory staff and other department heads to discuss ongoing quality improvement initiatives. These meetings provide an opportunity to share progress, address challenges, and ensure that everyone is aligned with our patient safety goals. Ensuring that our Pathology laboratory remains compliant with industry regulations is a critical part of my role. I review and update compliance documentation. I may also conduct internal audits or prepare for external regulatory inspections. I collaborate with healthcare professionals across various departments to discuss any concerns related to diagnostic quality. Building strong working relationships with colleagues is essential for a unified approach to patient safety. Before wrapping up for the day, I review the day's accomplishments and ensure that any urgent issues have been adequately addressed or delegated for further action, if necessary. This helps me maintain a proactive approach to patient safety.
My healthcare science journey began with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Applied Biology. Later, I earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biomedical Science. While exploring career opportunities in the NHS within biomedical science, I gained practical experience by supporting young adults with learning disabilities and volunteering as a youth group leader. In 2008, I joined the NHS as a Medical Laboratory Assistant. After 18 months, I secured a trainee Biomedical Scientist position in the Microbiology and Virology department at a renowned hospital. Over the subsequent years, I underwent rigorous training, completing my Specialist portfolio in Virology, obtaining a Masters of Science (MSc) in Clinical Microbiology from Queen Mary University, and achieving the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Higher Specialist Diploma in Virology. I have continuously refined my scientific and leadership skills, steadily progressing to become a registered Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) professional, a Chartered scientist, and a senior specialist in my field. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work at various organizations, both in the private and public sectors. This diverse experience has enriched my knowledge and provided me with a broad perspective on healthcare science and quality assurance. Additionally, I am a certified Scrum Master. My interest in agile methodologies has driven my commitment to completing projects efficiently and improving ways of working, especially when it comes to maintaining the highest standards of quality.
My future is shaped by my ambitions, values, and the opportunities I pursue. With my track record and dedication, I am well-positioned to continue making a significant impact in STEM (specifically, healthcare and biomedical science) while shaping a rewarding and fulfilling career path. I am passionate about healthcare policy and advocacy so I may explore roles in shaping healthcare policies, regulations, and standards at a regional, national, or international level. My experience and insights might make me a sought-after consultant in the healthcare industry. I could provide valuable guidance to organizations seeking to improve their quality assurance processes and patient safety protocols. Given my background, I'm enthusiastic about delving deeper into research and innovation within the healthcare and biomedical science domain. I see myself leading research projects, developing new diagnostic methodologies, or contributing to ground-breaking discoveries. With my expertise, I could also consider contributing to global health initiatives, particularly in areas like infectious disease control, public health, or healthcare infrastructure development. Given my commitment to advocacy for diversity and equality, I will continue to work toward greater inclusion and representation in healthcare and biomedical science, both within my organization and industry-wide. As I progress in my career, I understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing my personal wellbeing and interests outside of work.
My hobbies encompass a diverse range of activities that I am deeply passionate about, and I firmly believe they contribute significantly to my personal and professional growth. STEM Ambassador and Role Model: Being actively involved as a STEM Ambassador and a role model allows me to inspire and guide aspiring young scientists. It's not only a fulfilling way to give back to the community, but also an opportunity to nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals who can drive innovation and progress in the field. School Governor: Serving as a school governor connects me with the education system, offering insights into the development of young minds. Understanding the educational landscape helps me tailor my communication and teaching strategies, making complex scientific concepts more accessible to students and colleagues. Advisory Board Member: My role as an advisory board member enables me to contribute my expertise to shape strategies and policies that affect healthcare and biomedical science. It underscores the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making, ultimately benefiting patient safety and the quality of healthcare services. Gospel Singer with a Debut Album: Pursuing a career as a gospel singer with a debut album showcases my versatility and creativity. Music serves as an outlet for self-expression and stress relief, enabling me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Moreover, the discipline required in music complements my scientific work, enhancing my focus and attention to detail. Traveling: Traveling broadens my horizons and exposes me to different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. This global perspective is invaluable in healthcare, where understanding diverse patient populations and their unique needs is crucial for providing effective care. Relaxation Days: Taking time for relaxation and self-care is essential in a demanding profession like healthcare. Relaxation days rejuvenate my mind and body, helping me stay focused and resilient in my role as a Pathology Quality Manager and certified Scrum Master. Reading: Reading is a constant in my life. It is not only a source of personal enjoyment, but also a way to stay informed about the latest developments in healthcare and biomedical science. It ensures that I remain at the forefront of my field, ready to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. The importance of these hobbies to my profession cannot be overstated. They provide a well-rounded perspective, enhance my communication skills, promote creativity, and most importantly, help me maintain a healthy work-life balance. They contribute not only to my personal wellbeing, but also to my effectiveness as a healthcare professional, ensuring that I can continue to make a meaningful impact in my field.
"In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity." ~ Albert Einstein This resonates with me so much, as it's been my lived experiences. "In the world of science, the best ones to work with are the ones who do what they say they will do when they say they will do it. Those you can trust." ~ Hubert Farnsworth "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." ~ Winston Churchill There's a quote I always say: 'There is always light at the end of the tunnel.' It is very true in that if you face a difficult situation, it is the way you handle it that determines the outcome that you have. I have learnt when you live to see another day, it means you've been given another opportunity to try again.