Frimley Health's Point of Care Testing specialty lead Katy Heaney has been made an honorary fellow of the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS).

The honorary fellowships recognise outstanding contributions in a leadership role to healthcare science in the UK.

Katy, a consultant clinical scientist, was nominated for her role with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) during the rollout of Covid-19 rapid testing during the pandemic. She built relationships with manufacturers, NHSE/I, devolved authorities, scientific advisors and service providers to ensure that point of care diagnostics were rapidly deployed to emergency departments across the UK.

Katy has also initiated and led the successful #PathologyROAR #IValueLabStaff video campaign on social media, highlighting the essential role that healthcare scientists play in patient care and encouraging school leavers to consider careers in pathology.

Twenty AHCS honorary fellowships were awarded during a presentation at the House of Lords in February.