ABSTRACT
Many laboratories are faced with changes in working patterns. These occur as a result of internal changes between departments in the same laboratory or because of service rearrangements between different hospitals due to laboratory mergers or whole trust mergers. The aim of changing working patterns should be to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of services, as well as addressing issues such as skills shortages, multidisciplinary working and flexibility. Internal and external laboratory reorganisations are a common problem for pathologists and clinical directors. The most important factor in changing working patterns is to spend time on the staff consultation processes. Without the support of the staff it is impossible to manage these projects. Time spent in planning, identifying key stakeholders and selling the vision is time well spent and can prevent many problems. Managing change successfully requires resources, in particular staff time, and investment in staff training and development.
