Synnovis’ new state-of-the-art hub laboratory in Blackfriars Road, London, is now open for business, with the first samples processed at the beginning of April 2024.The new site is at the heart of a programme to deliver and transform pathology services in south east London.
One of the largest, purpose-built pathology laboratories in the UK, this world-class facility is filled with cutting-edge technology. At the conclusion of the carefully phased, 12-month transition to the hub and spoke model, it will process around 70% of all pathology activity currently conducted by Synnovis, serving a patient population of almost two million.
Once the transfer of services is complete, the hub will house infection, tissue and blood sciences, as well as reference chemistry and specialist services such as toxicology and immunology.
Spanning 10 floors flooded by natural light, the hub has been designed to meet the needs of modern-day healthcare services, delivering major benefits for clinicians, patients, those who work there and the NHS overall. By consolidating 89 laboratories into one hub and six hospital sites, 6,000 square metres of NHS real estate – the equivalent of more than 150 operating theatres – will be released for use by Synnovis’ partners for other important patient services.
Dr Tracy Ellison, Managing Director, Synnovis, commented: “Tens of millions of pounds have been invested into transforming services and on the hub building to date, creating an inspiring environment packed full of cutting-edge instrumentation, equipment and examples of innovation. We are moving ever nearer to realising our vision of delivering a facility that will be looked on internationally as a pathology centre of excellence, bringing major benefits to our people, our NHS partners and the patients we serve.”
On-site spoke laboratories are being developed to provide essential services, which will focus on the rapid turnaround of urgent tests, such as those for inpatients or patients attending accident and emergency departments. Some specialist pathology services will continue to be provided at on-site laboratories, in close collaboration with clinical teams.
Through the hub and spoke model, Synnovis says that urgent and routine pathology tests will be turned around more quickly than prior to service transformation. This will enable faster clinical decisions regarding care, a reduction in overnight hospital admissions, quicker discharge and speedier transitions to the appropriate clinical pathway. The fast-tracking of urgent GP requests also means more conditions will be managed within the community.