SCHC-Patient Participation Group
Pathology Services – New Partnership
During 2013 there was a proposal that a substantial part of BTUH Pathology Services would, in
common with the rest of Essex, be purchased from a consortium which was being set up by
hospital trusts in the Luton and Bedford area. This would have resulted in blood samples being
transported to the Bedford area for testing. At a late stage in the negotiations, mainly due to
opposition from consultants, clinicians and the public, this proposal was abandoned.
A joint venture has now been set up between TBUH, Southend Hospital and iPP
(integrated Pathology Partnerships).
A business case for consolidating Basildon and Southend Pathology Services was considered by both
boards; however this option did not achieve the savings required, or the investment needed to
ensure a viable and sustainable service.
The joint venture will pool expertise from the public and private sector. The Pathology Service needs
to improve quality and ensure that it is fit for the future whilst delivering cost savings. iPP has
committed investment in excess of £10m, this includes for the modernisation of the existing on-site
laboratories at both hospitals and for a brand new state of the art laboratory to serve both hospitals
which is to be completed in 2015 (location to be decided). In addition there will be new information
systems and equipment.
Under the joint venture agreement, Consultant Pathologists will continue to be employed by their
current employing trust. They will provide professional direction and have responsibility for the
delivery of Pathology Services.
iPP are currently providing a similar service to two hospital trusts in Somerset.
It is expected that patients will benefit from the following:
 Extended opening hours (evenings & weekends) and appointments.
 Consultant Pathologists continue to be responsible for quality and service.
 Investment in IT systems to give access across South Essex irrespective of who requested the
test or where bled.
 Single IT system will drive harmony across the two hospitals reducing clinical risk (test
profiles, methods, reference ranges and reporting)
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The Pathology Service will remain local.
Clare Panniker (chief executive at TBUH NHS Foundation Trust) and Jacqueline Totterdell
(chief executive at Southend University Hospital NHS Trust) are quoted as saying:
“Bringing in a private sector partner allowed the trusts to get the best of both worlds –
investment to improve our service, yet retaining NHS clinical leadership and a local service”
Pathology Page 1
09 February 2016
SCHC-Patient Participation Group
Pathology Services – New Partnership
The Service Delivery Model
GP Practices
Community
Hospitals
Other Community
Referrers
South Essex Pathology Service
Hub Laboratory (Location To Be Decided)
Opening Hours Mon-Fri 08.00-16.00
Services:
Biochemistry
Haematology
Molecular Biology Microbiology
Other Speciality Laboratories POCT Coordination
Cyto Pathology
Central Services
Immunology
Thurrock & Basildon University Hospitals
Rapid Response Laboratory
Southend University Hospitals
Rapid Response Laboratory
Opening Hrs: 24/7
Opening HRS. 24/7
Services:
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Services:
Biochemistry
Haematology
Blood Transfusion
Acute Microbiology
Histopathology
Mortuary
Phlebotomy
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Biochemistry
Haematology
Blood Transfusion
Acute Microbiology
Histopathology
Mortuary
Phlebotomy
iPP (integrated Pathology Partnerships) was founded to partner UK healthcare organisations to
deliver pathology services. The founders of iPP are:
 LABCO; A leading medical group with over 300 laboratories in six European countries. A
private company, majority owned by its pathologists and management.
 SODEXO;
One of the world’s leading on-site service solutions providers with a global
presence in the healthcare sector. The company has a major presence in UK healthcare with
over 9,000 employees directly employed in this sector. SODEXO delivers a wide range of
services in almost 100 UK hospitals. They are also involved in a number of PFI schemes.
Pathology Page 2
09 February 2016