Our strategy

In 2017, NHS England committed to consolidating pathology services in England through 29 regional networks. Analysis showed there was unwarranted variation in how pathology services were being delivered to patients, because of how they are organised.

Patients should receive quicker, more advanced and reliable screening test results for illnesses, including cancer. The networks will bring together clinical expertise, ultimately making these services more efficient that deliver better value, high-quality care.

 

An infographic stating: 39 million tests each year across five sites, 1,000 WTE staff employed across pathology services, £112m combined annual budget

 

Our ambition

Our vision is to deliver the most beneficial model of pathology as a network across the South West peninsula, to help clinical pathways to be as effective and efficient as possible.

 

Challenges

We face some specific issues within the peninsula:

  • An ageing population
  • Rural and coastal communities, and areas of multiple deprivation
  • Seasonal impacts from an increased summer population of toursists and seasonal workers
  • Poor road infrastructure compounded by holiday traffic
  • Increased incidence, complexity and volume of disease

 

Governance

All networks are required to have workstreams that address:

  • Operational
  • Governance
  • Leadership
  • Quality
  • IT and Digital
  • Workforce
  • Shared supply chain

Find more details about  our programmes .