Following the publication of Lord Darzi’s report into the NHS, the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA) have issued responses.
In a detailed response published on its website, the IBMS comments: “We support the call for more investment in community diagnostics and point-of-care testing (POCT). Our Point of Care Testing: National Strategic Guidance for at Point of Need Testing and Community Diagnostics: Scaling Point-of-Care Testing for Patient-Centred Outcomes provide a framework for integrating POCT across the NHS. These steps will help create a more efficient system, improving accessibility for patients and delivering more timely, localised care, which is critical to managing long-term conditions and improving outcomes.
IBMS President Joanna Andrew comments: “Our profession’s goal is to ensure that every patient receives the timely, accurate diagnosis they need for the best possible care. Lord Darzi’s report highlights the importance of investing in diagnostics and community-based services. By empowering our profession and expanding access to diagnostics, we can help deliver more personalised, patient-centred care that improves outcomes and reduces pressure on the NHS.”
The IBMS article continues: “Lord Darzi’s report calls for a tilt towards technology to unlock productivity and address inefficiencies. We echo the need for technological advancements, particularly the integration of AI into diagnostic pathways. As outlined in our Digital Pathology and Integrated Care Systems white paper with Microsoft, digital pathology offers significant advantages in improving care quality and efficiency, providing a roadmap for establishing equitable digital pathology services across networks and integrated care systems.
“Our upcoming Earlier Diagnostics report will also outline a structured framework for adopting technological innovations. This includes prioritising the standardisation of systems and processes across specialties and departments to ensure interoperability, which is essential for seamless data sharing across networks. Once integration is achieved, AI-assisted technologies can reach their full potential, leading to significant improvements in diagnostic speed, accuracy, and accessibility. Biomedical scientists are already utilising these tools, but further investment and training will be crucial to fully realise these benefits.”
IBMS Chief Executive David Wells comments: “Lord Darzi’s report clearly illustrates the urgent need for reform within the NHS. The biomedical science professions are ready to play a central role in delivering these changes. By expanding diagnostic capacity in the community and enabling our workforce to perform at the top of their licence, we can drive earlier interventions and improve patient outcomes. The IBMS is committed to supporting these critical transformations, ensuring that diagnostics remains at the heart of a stronger, more sustainable NHS.”
The British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA) has also published a response to the Darzi report. BIVDA’s Chief Executive Helen Dent said “The Darzi Review is a once in a lifetime opportunity to reform the NHS. Its conclusions are bleak, but not surprising to our sector – BIVDA's 2024 strategy is centred on delivering these reforms. We work closely with Lord Darzi, particularly supporting his ambitions in AMR and praise this honest, hard-hitting review which was delivered at incredible pace. The extent of responses to his consultation demonstrates the willingness and ability of the healthcare sector to facilitate change.
"The diagnostics industry is agile, responsive, and keen to work with government. But to deliver rapid, effective solutions barriers to access must be removed and the NHS must genuinely open up for innovation. By reforming managed service contracts, partnering more closely with industry, and establishing point of care hubs in primary care, immediate progress can be made – to save the NHS and improve patient’s lives. BIVDA and our members are ready for the journey ahead, and look forward to working with community, acute and social healthcare settings in the NHS to deliver.”