The concept of hub and spoke has become the preferred model for Pathology services across England since the DoH acceptance of the recommendations of the Carter report into Pathology Services in England published in 2008. Carter recommended a network solution to the provision of pathology service in a core (hub) and local (spoke) configuration. In addition to delivering more effective use of high cost laboratory infrastructure, the standardised working practices and harmonisation of workforces across networks would improve service quality while at the same time delivering significant cost improvements.
The implementation consisted of four phases: Phase 1 – GP direct access referrals consolidated onto the Woolwich site Phase 2 – UHL iCARE access to QEH WinPath LIMS Phase 3 – Single WinPath LIMS deployment for Pathology Services across LGT Phase 4 – Replacement LIMS
Case for Change
LGT’s 5 year business strategy was to move to a hub and spoke model for pathology services to provide:-
A safe, effective and sustainable pathology service
Security and quality of service at best value for money
Common state-of-the-art analytical systems
Economies of scale through rationalisation and centralisation
Ability to scale up to meet increasing demand for large volume processing
Rapid results access across the healthcare community
Activity was previously provided in two separate locations across the trust and on three different LIMS systems. Each lab used different equipment for analysis leading to different operating processes and different result ranges. Standardisation of processes on a single site with the electronic transfer of information has driven efficiency gains and service consolidation which in turn has produced cost improvements. iBHC continues to support Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust (LGT) through this important Pathology Transformation which, when complete, will deliver over £4.5m of cost improvements each year.
"iBHC have supported us every step of the way from the initial concept design through to final implementation" Alex Singer Transformation Lead