After a distinguished career spanning 25 years, Robert Akutu is preparing to retire as General Manager of Cellular Pathology at South West London Pathology. His journey has been marked by transformative leadership, a passion for innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving patient care. While his career may be coming to a close, his influence and legacy will undoubtedly endure. Robert reflects on his career with a mix of pride and humility.
“It’s a little unnerving to think about stepping away,”
he admits.
“I’ve worked my whole life, and now I’m asking myself, what does the next stage look like?”
Retirement, for Robert, is not an end but the beginning of a new chapter—a time to explore the world, contribute to his community, and continue making a difference in new ways.
A career that began by chance
Robert’s entry into cellular pathology wasn’t meticulously planned. In fact, it was almost accidental. “I stumbled into the profession by accident,” he says, smiling as he recalls the moment.
“One day, I was walking past Middlesex Hospital with friends, and I decided it was time to get serious about finding a job. I walked in and asked what was available. They gave me two options: histology or cytology. I chose cytology because the idea of cutting up tissue didn’t appeal to me.”
That fateful decision set him on a path that would define his career.
“Even in the early days, I could see the impact of the work we were doing,”
he says.
“It felt purposeful—like I was part of something bigger.”
Cytology allowed Robert to delve into the microscopic world of cells, contributing to life-saving diagnoses and enhancing healthcare outcomes.
“I was hooked,”
he reflects
“The idea that you could make a diagnosis from something so small, yet so significant, was fascinating.”
Transforming pathology: milestones and challenges
Throughout his career, Robert achieved significant milestones, often overcoming challenges that required persistence and ingenuity. One of his most defining achievements came during his time at Joyce Green Hospital.
“When I arrived, the hospital hadn’t updated its training for years. They were missing critical diagnoses, particularly in cervical cancer screening,”
he explains.
Determined to address the issue, Robert implemented new training programmes and methodologies, enabling his team to identify high-grade abnormalities like small-cell dyskaryosis.
“We raised the standards to meet the national benchmark,”
he says.
“It wasn’t easy—there was resistance, particularly from those who were uncomfortable with change—but I knew it was the right thing to do for patients.”
This commitment to raising standards became a recurring theme throughout his career. At South West London Pathology, Robert continued his transformative work, focusing on modernising processes and embracing automation.
“I saw staff spending entire days on repetitive manual tasks, and I thought, ‘We can do better,’”
he recalls. Under his leadership, the department has introduced Bond Prime machines, which are revolutionising laboratory workflows by reducing staining times and enabling faster, more efficient diagnostics.
“Seeing these changes take effect has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career,”
he says.
“Knowing I’m leaving the service in a stronger position is incredibly fulfilling.”
Leadership defined by empowerment
Robert’s leadership philosophy has always centred on empowerment and collaboration.
“You have to give people the confidence to execute tasks without micromanaging them,” he explains. “Leadership is about enabling others to grow.”
Colleagues describe him as a fair and empathetic leader who always made time to listen and act on feedback.
“In meetings, I make a point to involve quieter voices,”
he says.
“It’s important for everyone to feel that their input is valued. You never know where the next great idea will come from.”
Robert’s dedication to nurturing talent has had a lasting impact on his teams.
“I’ve always believed that a leader’s job is to build others up,”
he says.
“If someone wants to take on more responsibility or grow in their role, it’s my job to support them and make sure they succeed.”
Reflections on a changing field
As Robert prepares to retire, he reflects on the immense changes he has witnessed in pathology over the decades.
“When I started, everything was manual. Now, we’re entering an era dominated by automation, artificial intelligence, and genomics,”
he observes.
While these advancements have brought greater efficiency, Robert emphasises the enduring importance of human expertise.
“Automation is great, but it doesn’t replace critical thinking,”
he says.
“We still need people who can interpret results, identify nuances, and make informed decisions.”
His reflections are deeply rooted in the values of the NHS.
“Every test matters because there’s a patient at the end of it,”
he says.
“That’s what has always driven me. It’s never just about the data or the process—it’s about the people we serve.”
Looking ahead: plans for retirement
For Robert, retirement is not an end but an opportunity to embrace new challenges and experiences.
“I want to travel and immerse myself in different cultures,”
he says, sharing his enthusiasm for seeing the world and experiencing life beyond the laboratory.
Beyond travel, Robert is passionate about contributing to his community.
“I’d like to help food banks and sit on school boards,”
he explains.
“There’s so much knowledge and experience I can share, and I want to make a difference in new ways.”
He’s also looking forward to spending time with his family and pursuing personal interests that were often sidelined by the demands of his career.
“It’s a chance to rediscover the things I love and explore the things I’ve always wanted to do,”
he says.
A lasting legacy
As Robert steps away from his role, he hopes to be remembered as someone who listened, cared, and acted with integrity.
“I’ve always tried to solve problems and improve the lives of both patients and staff,” he says.
“I’ve never made millions in the NHS,”
Robert says with a smile,
“but the value of what we do here is priceless. It’s about making a difference—and that’s what I’ve always tried to do.”
Advice for the future
Robert leaves the next generation of healthcare professionals with advice forged from decades of experience.
“Don’t just do a job—strive to make a difference,”
he says.
“Think about where you want to end up, and always ask yourself how you can contribute meaningfully to the field.”
As Robert Akutu begins his retirement, his story stands as an inspiring example of how dedication, compassion, and a commitment to excellence can leave a lasting impact. His career may be ending, but his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps, ensuring that the values he upheld endure for years to come.