After almost 30 years of dedicated service at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, we bid a fond farewell to Consultant Clinical Biochemist and Laboratory Director for Clinical Biochemistry, Martin Myers MBE. Martin’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career which has seen him deliver transformative change to pathology services at the Trust.
Martin began his career with a BSc in Biology in Portsmouth, followed by a PhD in Chemical Pathology from the University of London before becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists. After his first NHS role at Northampton General Hospital, Martin moved up North to Preston in 1996 with a vision to modernise the pathology department. This was the start of his career with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and a brilliant career spanning almost 30 years with the Trust.
Martin joined the Trust as Head of Department for Clinical Biochemistry. And under his leadership, pathology services in our laboratories have been transformed. His leadership was pivotal on both a local and national level during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he helped implement rapid diagnostic testing and advised NHS Supplies, ensuring that all hospitals and COVID-19 Nightingale hospitals were fully equipped with blood gas analysers.
Martin has held several senior roles at the Trust including Associate Medical Director for 4 years and Clinical Director for 14 years. Under his leadership, Martin has overseen the development and implementation of models of care and clinical patient pathways that have transformed the way that pathology services are delivered.
Martin’s influence extends far beyond the Trust and during his career he has taken up several national advisory roles. As Co-Clinical Lead for the NHS England Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Pathology Programme and Chair of the MHRA IVD Expert Advisory Group, his work on GIRFT has helped shape national policy and practice.
His brilliant achievements have rightly been recognised with several accolades including an MBE for services to healthcare, the NHS Lifetime Achievement Award and recognition by his peers as one of the world’s leading pathologists.
Martin’s work on Point of Care Testing, GIRFT, automation, and service harmonisation has seen him present his work at many national and international conferences; shaping the way that pathology services are delivered throughout the NHS. His pioneering work in Point of Care Testing (POCT) led to the creation of the ‘Laboratory Anywhere’ model, bringing diagnostic tests directly to patients — from hospital wards to community clinics and patients’ homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin’s rapid implementation of POCT assays was instrumental in shaping patient care and safety, quickly reducing the number of COVID infections in our hospitals.
Beyond his professional achievements, Martin is a passionate advocate for community health services, regularly supporting vulnerable members of the community including patients with learning difficulties, mental health conditions and other hard to reach communities to access diagnostic tests at community health melas.
Martin credits much of his success to the culture of trust and innovation at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals. “This organisation allowed me to flourish”, he says. “They trusted me to lead change, and I delivered.”
Martin leaves behind not just a legacy, but a thriving team profoundly shaped by his leadership and vision, ready to take the department forward. He is confident that he is leaving the department in safe hands when he says his final goodbye to his team.
Martin said: “I’m very proud of the department and everything we have achieved. Pathology provides a clinical support service and our services make a difference. I know that I am leaving the department in safe hands and I will shed a tear. It’s going to be tough but it’s now time for the next generation to build on the great work that has been achieved and I’m confident that they can lead the department onto the next exciting chapter. Pathology has been delivered in Preston for about 110 years; I am proud to be part of that history.”
Martin won’t be slowing down completely after he retires. He will continue his national role advising on GIRFT and he intends to spend his well-deserved retirement with family and friends and enjoying his hobbies, which include travel, walking, fly fishing and gardening.
We thank Martin for his extraordinary service and we wish him a happy and enjoyable retirement.
