NPEx: from strength to strength

Throughout 2017/18 NPEx has gone from strength to strength with the service continuing to expand across the UK, including new contracts with an additional 15 laboratory services (90% NHS and 10% private). Other achievements include:

• Delivered a first of type pilot to enable external quality assurance (EQA) reports electronically.
• Successfully connected Jersey public laboratory services to the NPEx network through the delivery of a solution for connectivity outside of N3 (soon to be HSCN) network.
• Signed a MOU with Genomics England for delivery of a pilot to enable electronic requesting and reporting in preparation for the industrialisation of Genomics testing across the UK NHS.
• Successfully engaged and contracted with HCA Healthcare (private provider) to connect their laboratory to NPEx.
• Successfully engaged a non-UK, international laboratory service provider in regard to the provision of NPEx for electronic requesting samples from France and delivering reports back to NHS laboratories.
• Extended coverage to include all of Great Britain as Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (in Wales) have joined the NPEx network.

The Health Informatics Service, together with X-Lab Ltd hosted a number of roadshows, including Cambridge, Birmingham and Edinburgh. All 3 roadshows were well attended by new and prospective customers with a number of guest speakers. The annual NPEx User Group took place at the Imperial War Museum in July 17; the event was opened by keynote speaker and Guest of Honour Owen Williams, Chief Executive at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.

The NPEx team look forward to a busy and exciting year ahead, including a number of high profile programmes of work:

• The deployment of NPEx to more NHS and private customers who are in the process of commissioning the service.
• The development of NPEx to support Genomics testing services as part of NHS England’s National Genomic Information Programme and the 100,000 Genomes Project.
• Develop a business case, following a successful West Yorkshire and Harrogate STP bid to grow the service with focus on 5 key areas — Business Continuity & Resilience, Microbiology, Genetics, Point of Care testing and Non-N3 connectivity.
• 2017/18 was a hugely successful year for the National Pathology Exchange. We saw significant growth in the service throughout the UK. This is testament to the hard work and commitment shown by all involved.

2018/19 looks set to be another exciting year with the deployment of the service across all 14 Health Boards in Scotland, the continued support for Genomics testing services as part of NHS England’s National Genomic Information Programme and the 100,000 Genomes Project and the continued expansion of the service to private labs.

Published by Chris Dunne on 05.10.2018.

This story first appeared in our 18th Issue of THIS is the news newsletter.