Visibility of SLAs to complete annual BCR

[Chris Robbie]

Further to Rashmi's post, I've been asked by Mike to post some additional info




4.7. Control of equipment and materials

4.7.1. General principles

4.7.1.1. Documented systems for purchasing equipment and materials should be available. These
should identify the specific requirements for establishing and reviewing contracts for the
supply of both equipment and materials.

In addition please see Section 8, Outsourced Activity Management, of the GPG.

When a hospital sign the BCR regarding Sections R, sub section ‘is there a Service Level Agreement/Technical Agreement in place to describe the responsibility for these function’?, and S you are signing to say, that to the best of your knowledge, the site is compliant with the above references and therefore access to these agreements is key in ensuring that you are meeting your regulatory requirements.

[Rashmi]

I think there isn’t always a full awareness of responsibilities with the Hospital BCR at all levels, from BBM upwards. The BCR guidance notes are also a little ambiguous and should be improved.

Some sites developed their own technical agreements over the years rather than relying on others within pathology to ensure these were in date, signed by both parties, etc, as this was a sure way to fail having valid documents. Unfortunately this created additional burden to the BBM role.

The BCR really needs everyone in pathology to work together to ensure compliance is met- this includes contracts staff/ path managers. Perhaps it’s time for BBMs to let go of these responsibilities of propping up a poor system. The rest of Path will need to get their act together to meet the regulations.