The service does not have any direct contact with patients. However, the service exchanged information with other providers which would help to determine the care and treatment a patient would receive.

The service followed appropriate procedures which meant that acceptable levels of cleanliness were maintained. Effective infection control procedures meant that risks of the spread of infection were minimised.

Staff confirmed that they received appropriate levels of training and support. They confirmed that they had received a range of mandatory training and training in more specialised topics appropriate to their role. Comments included “I feel that my skills and knowledge are kept up to date” and “they ensure that you get all the updates you need.”

The service had effective procedures in place which monitored and improved the quality of the service they provided. We saw that the service completed regular internal audits. The service was also monitored by other external agencies which helped to ensure that standards were maintained.

We saw that staff had received training in the Data Protection Act 1998. This meant that staff were aware of the legal obligations for handling personal information about individuals. The service followed the guidelines set by the Royal College of Pathologists. This meant that appropriate procedures were in place for the handling, storage, retention and disposal of pathology and genetic samples in laboratories.