Posted on Sunday, 4th January 2009 by admin
Thursday 18 December 2008 11:42
Department of Health (National)
Plans to enhance Pathology services
Transforming NHS pathology services will improve quality, safety and efficiency in diagnostic tests, according to a two-year review into NHS Pathology Services published today.
The Independent Review of NHS Pathology Services, which was undertaken by Lord Carter of Coles, looked at making services more responsive to patients’ needs and highlights the potential for substantial annual savings.
Pathology services are vital, and play a key role in around 70 per cent of decisions on diagnosis and treatment. This includes blood tests for diabetes, biopsies to diagnose cancer, and tests for infections, such as tuberculosis. The growing use of genetics for preventative medicine and more personalised care is likely to increase the need for pathology services.
The Independent Review concluded that there is a strong case for transforming pathology. Recommendations include:
* Developing pathology networks with a single integrated management structure;
* Improving test turnaround times;
* Rapid adoption of new technology and approaches to delivering; services;
* Enhancing IT connectivity; and
* Centralising non-urgent and specialist work in accredited core laboratories.
Responding to the Review’s findings, the Department of Health Pathology Clinical Lead Dr Ian Barnes said:
“I am very grateful to Lord Carter and his panel for this thorough and comprehensive report.
“The review has found much good work already underway. Pathology is a vital service for patients and plays a key role in around 70 per cent of decisions on diagnosis and treatment. There is room for improvement and the Review has highlighted key areas for us to take forward. We have examined the review’s recommendations in detail and now begun the process to determine how services can be enhanced.”
Lord Carter of Coles said:
“The recommendations in this report will improve quality and safety standards for the public. I am grateful to the many people – pathologists, managers and others – who guided us to our conclusions. I am pleased that the Department has accepted our recommendations and shall take a keen interest in the implementation process as it proceeds.”
Professor Peter Furness, President of the Royal College of Pathologists said: “The Royal College of Pathologists welcomes Lord Carter’s report. We particularly appreciate the recommendations in relation to quality, the development of consolidated networks, and the need for an accreditation process that covers the diagnostic process from the decision to test to the delivery and interpretation of the results. We agree with the need for modernisation and improved efficiency. We share Lord Carter’s concerns achieving this aims will not be easy, but we are committed to assist.”
An impact assessment on the review’s recommendations will report in summer 2009. This process will be informed by three Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) who will look at the practical implications of the recommendations.
Tags: Health, Pathology, Pathology services
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