Runcton Pathology : Our Story
The Founder
Runcton Pathology Ltd was established in March 2016 by Dr Jerry Grant, Consultant General Histopathologist with over 25 years of experience in the NHS. The founder's journey in medicine began long before formation of Runcton Pathology, rooted in a diverse and distinguished career that spans both military and civilian service.
After completing his medical studies at Cambridge University and Guy's Hospital Medical School, he embarked on a career with the Royal Army Medical Corps. His military service included roles as a Regimental Medical Officer in Germany and Brunei, where he was responsible for the medical care of soldiers and their families, as well as operational and tactical medical support. This experience provided a unique perspective on healthcare delivery and management in diverse and challenging environments.
Upon returning to the UK, Dr Grant transitioned to a career in Histopathology, training at the Army Histopathology Registry and St Thomas' Hospital in London. He quickly distinguished himself, passing both parts of the MRCPath exam at the first attempt and at the earliest opportunity.
In 1996, he took up a consultant post at Worthing Hospital (now part of University Hospital of Sussex Hospitals NHSFT), where he has worked for over 25 years. Initially starting as a general Histopathologist, he developed specialist skills in Dermatopathology, Breast Pathology, and Uropathology. Throughout his tenure, he has held several key positions, including:
Lead Pathologist for the Local and Specialist Skin Cancer MDM
Lead Pathologist for the Local Urology Cancer MDM
Deputy for the Breast Cancer MDM
Clinical Director of Pathology
Trust Lead Clinician for Cancer Services
Chair of the Sussex Cancer Pathology Network
Lead Pathologist for Pathology Service reconfiguration
Dr Grant’s commitment to ongoing education and professional development is evidenced by his regular participation in various External Quality Assurance (EQA) schemes, including the National Breast Cancer Screening EQA scheme, National Specialist Uropathology EQA scheme, National Web Based Prostate Biopsy EQA scheme, and National Specialist Dermatopathology EQA scheme.
Interestingly, before his medical career took off, Dr Grant was an accomplished athlete. He played rugby at a high level, representing Cambridge University in the Varsity match and playing first-class rugby for London Scottish in the amateur era. Later in life, he transitioned to endurance running, completing challenging races such as the Marathon des Sables and the Corsica Coast Race. This spirit of endurance and determination has carried over into his professional life, driving him to continually improve and innovate in the field of pathology.
Company History
The story of Runcton Pathology Ltd began in March 2016 when it was founded as a provider of diagnostic pathology services to the independent sector. From its inception, the company focused primarily on Dermatopathology, leveraging the founder's extensive expertise in this area.
For several years, Runcton Pathology Ltd operated successfully, processing around 6,000 cases per year with over 90% of these cases being reported within just 5 working days. This efficiency and quality of service quickly established the company's reputation in the field.
A significant milestone in the company's history came in December 2019 when LDPath Ltd approached Runcton Pathology Ltd with a proposition to set up a private laboratory. This collaboration led to the establishment of The Courtyard Laboratory in Chichester, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both companies.
The development of The Courtyard Laboratory took place during one of the most challenging periods in recent history - the COVID-19 pandemic. From September 2020 to April 2021, despite the global disruption, Dr Grant of Runcton Pathology Ltd successfully managed the development and opening of this new private laboratory. He oversaw everything from design and equipment procurement to construction, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability.
In June 2021, The Courtyard Laboratory opened its doors, representing a significant achievement in the growth and development of both Runcton Pathology Ltd and LDPath. This state-of-the-art facility enhanced the capacity to deliver high-quality diagnostic services, with Runcton Pathology Ltd playing a crucial role in its operations.
March 2022 brought another shift in the landscape when LDPath merged with Source Bioscience, who subsequently took over the operations of The Courtyard Laboratory. This transition led to a change in the founder's role at The Courtyard Laboratory, moving to a consultancy position. Despite this shift, he has maintained regular involvement in lab supervision and continues to provide expert advice, ensuring the continuation of the high standards established from the company's inception.
Today, Runcton Pathology Ltd continues to thrive, providing high-quality diagnostic services to a wide range of clients. The company's success is built on the expertise of its team of experienced consultant histopathologists, all of whom are FRCPath accredited and GMC registered. The commitment to excellence remains unwavering, as evidenced by the team's participation in annual appraisals and appropriate External Quality Assurance (EQA) schemes. As Runcton Pathology Ltd looks to the future, it remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in pathology services, always with an eye toward innovation and improvement.