Reconfiguration of Pathology Laboratories
Reconfiguration of Pathology Laboratories
There are 52 pathology and National Blood Transfusion laboratories in the South of England serving a population of 13.4 million. Some of these laboratories provide ‘hot’ laboratory services only, i.e. tests requiring a rapid turnaround for A + E departments.
The National Clinical Director of Pathology, Dr Ian Barnes, promotes a model whereby pathology departments should be part of a consolidated network/ collaboration/partnership, each serving a population of 2 million. This suggests seven networks would be required for the South of England.
Further details are documented in the following paper:-
South of England Pathology Positioning Paper
General Approach of the SHA Pathology Programme
The ‘Report of the second phase of the review of NHS pathology services in England’, Chaired by Lord Carter of Coles made a clear case for change and highlighted the £250 – 500m savings target that could be achieved nationally largely through reconfiguring pathology services and managing demand appropriately.
CPA Laboratory Accreditation across the South of England
See Figure 1 for expanded view of map below & partnerships established as of 1st January 2013.
