Clinical Biochemistry

The Department of Clinical Biochemistry is part of Partnership Pathology Services (PPS) which is a joint Directorate of the Frimley Park Hospital (FPH) NHS Trust and the Royal Surrey County Hospital (RSCH) NHS Trust. 

Clinical Biochemistry, along with the departments of Haematology and Immunology comprise the Blood Sciences operational group of PPS. The other departments within PPS include Microbiology and Virology, Histopathology, Cytopathology and Molecular Biology.

The clinical biochemistry department of Partnership Pathology Services aims to provide efficient, effective and reliable clinical, consultative and laboratory services to all its users on behalf of Frimley Park and the Royal Surrey County NHS Hospital Trusts. 

It also aims to provide cutting edge specialist supra-regional assay services for peptide hormones, trace elements and cardiovascular markers for the NHS and for other users.

The department seeks to achieve these goals by appropriate and ongoing investment in its staff and by maintaining high standards in quality and equipment. 

By its research, development and training activities the department promotes and develops the contribution that clinical biochemistry makes to the diagnosis and management of disease. 

The biochemistry department meets criteria to satisfy HPC for recognition as a training centre for BMS trainees. The Clinical Biochemistry Department and the Trace Elements EQA scheme enjoy full CPA accreditation.

The department of Clinical Biochemistry at the RSCH site has an international reputation and a strong tradition in both Research and Development and also in training clinical and scientific staff. 

There are three associated SAS Laboratories:

• A Trace Elements laboratory directed by Dr Andrew Taylor,
• A Peptide Hormone Service directed by Dr Callum Livingstone
• A Cardiovascular Risk Assessment service directed by Professor Ferns. 

Dr Livingstone is supported by Dr Gwen Wark, Consultant Biochemist and Deputy Director of the Peptide Hormone Unit. 

Dr Bryan Starkey, Consultant Biochemist, is Deputy Director for the cardiovascular marker service.

The department also hosts GMEC (the MHRA Guildford Evaluation Unit) and the Southern Hub Screening Centre for bowel cancer.

The Director of both of these units is Mr Stephen Halloran, Consultant Biochemist. Mrs Paulette Cusick, Consultant Biochemist, is the Specialty Lead Consultant for Clinical Biochemistry. 

There are two additional Biochemists – Dr Kerry Whiting, Principal Biochemist and Chair of the Point of Care Committee, and Dr Michelle Young, Senior Biochemist.

In addition, the department supports three Grade A Clinical Scientists in training, funded centrally by South Central Strategic Health Authority.

The departments of clinical biochemistry, haematology and immunology are managed by a single Operational Manager (Mrs Kate Cox).

The Consultant Medical staff in post comprise of Professor Gordon Ferns (who was appointed to the new chair of metabolic and molecular medicine in January 1996, Dr Tim Wan and Dr Callum Livingstone (both also Senior Lecturers in Metabolic Medicine).

All three Consultant Clinicians conduct outpatient clinics (metabolic, endocrine, lipid and renal stones) and have responsibility for a 6 bedded Clinical Investigation Unit located at the RSCH.