ABSTRACT
Management structures within NHS pathology laboratories vary widely. Many are based on the clinical directorate model with a consultant or clinical scientist acting as a clinical director. This chapter explores some of the issues and describes some of the management structures that have evolved in response to a variety of factors which are influencing pathology services. Consultants in pathology have had a long tradition of managing both resources and staffing in their departments. There are now wide variations in management structures within pathology laboratories, many of which are locally determined and are very successful. Within pathology one consultant other than the clinical director should be the nominated representative for the medical advisory committee (MAC). All consultants within pathology should meet on a regular basis as part of the medical advisory process. Clinical directors of pathology have an important role in managing the performance of all staff in the directorate, including other consultants.
