Regional QA Teams

Role of the regional teams

Regional Quality Assurance (QA) Teams were established on 1 April 2013 to oversee all NHS Screening Programmes (Antenatal, Newborn and Adult). During 2013/14 these teams will take up new responsibilities.

Up until 31 March 2013, regional antenatal and newborn screening co-ordinators acted as a link between national, regional and local organisations in relation to UK National Screening Committee approved antenatal and newborn screening programmes in England. Their function was to:

• Support the NHS in implementing new programmes and improvements to existing programmes
• Offer advice to the NHS regarding expected levels of service as detailed in national screening programme standards and guidance
• Assist with the auditing and monitoring of local services.

Service development has been underpinned by detailed education and training initiatives prior to roll out to ensure high quality services are delivered. The Screening Co-ordinators developed extensive networks to ensure that regular and appropriate communication was maintained with all stakeholders.

The role of the Regional QA teams is to provide a comprehensive and consistent approach to the quality assurance of ante natal & newborn and adult screening programmes but 2013/14 will be a period of transition and many of the activities carried out by the antenatal regional team Co-ordinators will be continued.

The Regional QA teams will work with a wide range of stakeholders, notably NHS staff who provide screening (eg Trust screening co-ordinators, sonographers and lab personnel) and Screening & Immunisation Teams Leads in Area Teams of NHS England. They will ensure that stakeholders are kept up to date with changes/developments that are likely to impact on services.

To find out more about each regional QA team, click on the map or one of the sub page links above.