Quality assurance

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The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP) is collaboration between Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA). MMMP provides Clinical Diagnostic Microbiology and Virology services, including Molecular Diagnostics and Genomic Sequencing, and is committed to providing a high quality clinical, analytical and advisory service. Specialist services on site include the UKHSA Meningococcal Reference Unit and the UKHSA Vaccine Evaluation Unit.

A full list of accredited tests can be found at UKAS Schedule of Accreditation and the user manual can be found at MMMP User Manual. MMMP aims to take into account the needs and requirements of its users and other stakeholders and to operate in a safe manner for staff, visitors and patients. In order to ensure these aims are met the MMMP will:
MMMP aims to take into account the needs and requirements of its patients and users and other stakeholders and to operate in a safe manner for staff, visitors and patients. In order to ensure these aims are met the MMMP will:

  • ensure that patient well-being, safety and rights are our primary considerations.
  • planning and implementing actions to address risk of harm to patients, and opportunities for improvement.
  • operate a quality management system designed to integrate the function of the organisation and its processes, procedures, resources and safety, including requirements from HTA.
  • provide a framework for establishing and reviewing measurable quality objectives and plans in order to implement this quality policy in line with the objectives of the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
  • consult with users on a regular basis to ensure their needs and requirements are met.
  • ensure that all personnel are familiar with this policy and the quality manual.
  • review the quality policy for suitability and effectiveness at the annual management review.
  • commit to the health, safety, and welfare of its entire staff. Visitors to the department will be treated with respect and due consideration will be given to their safety while on site.
  • commit to promoting a culture of continuing quality improvement.
  • uphold professional values and be committed to good professional practice and conduct.
  • maintain confidentiality of information and records of service users, staff, and patients.
  • consider environmental legislation and guidelines in its plans and operational policies.
  • ensure there is full recognition of diverse needs, circumstances and concerns of all staff, visitors, and patients with respect to the Equality Act and MFT’s people plan.

The MMMP will comply with ISO 15189 and is committed to:

  • providing a high standard of service for stakeholders, and national screening programmes
  • staff recruitment, training, competent staff, development, and retention at all levels to provide a full and effective service to its users.
  • the proper procurement and maintenance of such equipment and other resources as are needed for the provision of the service.
  • the collection, transport, and handling of all specimens in such a way as to ensure the safe and correct performance of laboratory examinations and the safety of our staff and the general public.
  • the use of examination procedures that are fit for purpose and will ensure the highest achievable quality of all tests performed within the resources available.
  • reporting results of examinations in ways which are timely, confidential, accurate and clinically useful.
  • the assessment of user satisfaction, using regular clinical liaison meetings, satisfaction surveys and face to face meetings with external users
  • ensure ongoing evaluation and improvement by the process of internal audit, external quality assessment and by the identification of non-conformities with procedures and standards
  • take into consideration the needs and requirements of patients by liaison and surveys of patient groups wherever possible.
  • work with clinical teams to ensure right patient, right test, right time in support of patient safety, demand management and GIRFT principles.
  • safeguarding impartiality of its laboratory services, and not allowing commercial and financial pressures to compromise impartiality.

Signed on behalf of the Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership:

Dr S Thomas

Head of Service

Date: 3/11/2023

 

(Last reviewed November 2023)