Notification of a voluntary resignation from UKAS ISO15189 accreditation by the All Wales Genomics Laboratory (AWGL)

The laboratory is facing a number of significant challenges this year, and this is against a backdrop of significant laboratory staff vacancies/shortages. We are committed to implement a new Genetics Laboratory Information Management System (GLIMS) to replace the existing SHIRE system in July 2024, which will enable the laboratory to plan and execute the site move to Canolfan Iechyd Genomig Cymru during this year.

It is challenging for the laboratory to deliver on the two major projects with the current staff capacity and maintain clinical operational performance.

On very careful consideration by the AWMGS Senior Leadership Team, it has been decided that a temporary, voluntary resignation from UKAS accreditation would be the best option for the AWGL to pursue. A formal request for resignation has been sent to UKAS.

Health care quality and patient safety are very important aspects of the services we provide. During the period where the laboratory is not accredited, AWGL will maintain its quality assurance by continuing to ensure that the quality management system (QMS) is maintained and will also continue to participate in EQA for all services.

We anticipate that we will be ready for UKAS pre-assessment in early 2025. The service will apply for UKAS accreditation against ISO15189:2022

Please do contact the Laboratory Director should you have any queries or concerns regarding this matter.