Nationwide Pathology

Nationwide Pathology: a private pathology laboratory serving clinicians across the UK

Nationwide Pathology Limited is a UKAS-accredited private commercial pathology laboratory. The company presents itself as offering a complete pathology solution, combining an extensive testing menu with fast turnaround times and what it describes as customer service at the forefront of its business. Its stated client base spans private General Practitioners, large occupational health providers, professional sporting clubs, insurance medical providers and healthcare recruitment agencies.

Origins and growth since 2011

The laboratory was founded in 2011 by Managing Director Sheryl Dunn, who identified a gap in the market for a new private pathology provider after more than 30 years of experience in the sector. She started the business with her husband Jamie, contributing entrepreneurial expertise. Since then the company states it has built a reputation on a comprehensive and personalised service, and it reports more than ten years of activity in the private healthcare market.

Testing disciplines handled in-house

The laboratory reports daily testing across a broad set of disciplines:

• Haematology
• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Serology
• Toxicology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Pathology
• Vitamin and Nutritional testing

The catalogue is presented as containing over 1,000 available tests, and the site maintains a section for newly added tests.

Phlebotomy and sample collection

Alongside laboratory analysis, the company provides phlebotomy services and describes itself as a phlebotomy and vaccination provider across the UK. Pre-paid sample collection kits are offered, and results are delivered through a secure online results portal.

Operational capacity and technology

Nationwide Pathology states that significant and consistent investment is made to keep its laboratory equipped with current science and technology. Among its claims is the operation of what it describes as the UK's first and largest Siemens biochemistry and immunology analyser. The company also advertises a 24-hour turnaround, testing six days per week and an out-of-hours service.

Accreditation and client portfolio

The laboratory is UKAS accredited under number 7983, and it points to its current schedule of accreditation held by UKAS. It describes itself as the preferred pathology provider to Team GB. The published client list covers private GPs, Team GB, professional sporting clubs, insurance medical providers, occupational health providers, healthcare recruitment agencies, offshore oil and gas medical providers, cruise ship and aviation medical providers, sexual health testing providers and Public Health England.

Working relationship with clinicians

The company frames its role as assisting clinicians in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients, adapting to a growing emphasis on tailor-made and accessible healthcare. It states that it works alongside clients regardless of how minor or acute the concern is, aiming to give them the sense of having their own laboratory, and that staff are on hand to personally assist with queries. The site also carries a feedback channel through which customers can raise comments on any aspect of the service, with the commitment that these are impartially reviewed and investigated and that corrective action is taken and communicated where required.