Wales to spend £12m upgrading pathology IT

It said the upgrade will lead to "standardisation of practice, improved clinical governance and increase the capacity and flexibility to meet future demand and new developments". There are 18 main pathology laboratory facilities across Wales, which are currently managed independently with limited networking between sites. The Assembly Government said one of its main objectives is to have a fully supported networked laboratory information management system (LIMS) available for implementation from January 2011. It believes the upgrade is necessary as more than 21m diagnostic tests are undertaken in Wales annually, with the number set to increase. "The IT systems that are currently in use are approaching the end of their technical life and, instead of replacing them like-for-like, this has provided an opportunity to develop one system for the whole of Wales," said health minister Edwina Hart. "Having the same technology in each laboratory will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of pathology services and it will be simpler for staff. The set-up will provide more opportunities for staff to work together and learn from each other as they will be able to work across a number of sites, using the same software." Bob Hudson, chief executive of Public Health Wales, said he believes the IT upgrade will also help pathology services provide safer and more responsive care for patients. "The provision of information and advice is essential to support patient care with around 80% of diagnoses supported by pathology test results in both hospitals and general practice," he added.