About David Wells

What they say about David Wells

“An unsung hero of the COVID-19 pandemic who has been a calm and steady voice as the NHS built a nationwide testing service from scratch.”

Quotes from David Wells

On recognizing the impact of pathology:

“Pathology has a central role to play in prevention, early diagnostics, access to the right patient pathway and through these improving outcomes. Never more has the term ‘Right test, right patient, right time’ been so important in improving health outcomes.”

On leading the laboratory response to COVID-19 for NHS England:

“It was daunting and all-consuming, but I had a profession behind me that I knew I could trust. I knew they would deliver when asked – and they did every time. Even when the Prime Minister was making requests, I could put my reputation on the line and say: ‘Yep, we can do that!’ I think that made my job a lot easier.”

On his career achievements:

“I am also proud that we were able to effect such change for the pathology networks. When I started my career, Lord Carter of Coles produced a report saying that pathology services in England should consolidate into a network-based system; 20 years later, I led the team that delivered it.”