Pathology network savings may exceed forecasts

02 December 2019

Login to access this content

In an update on the move to 29 pathology networks, due to be completed by 2021, the national bodies said almost all trusts are making progress towards networking.

And, as NHS organisations develop their cases for pathology networks, potential savings have emerged that are greater than initial estimates.

It was believed that the savings could reach £200m by 2020/21 on running costs of £2.2bn. But the report said this could be an underestimate – for example, trusts now using the network model have seen the average costs per test drop by 20%, while one network has agreed £18m in savings over five years through joint procurement.

The report does not put a new figure on the potential savings.

However, while 97% of organisations were engaged in the networking process and 84% had agreed a local partnership model, networking was on track for 2020/21 in only 76%.

The report urged the NHS to achieve efficiencies as soon as possible.

‘We are reassured by progress and level of engagement to date, but networks need to act immediately to realise available efficiencies, while trusts and integrated care systems should continue to prioritise pathology networking,’ it said.

‘Using Model Hospital data, trusts can identify where to concentrate. Services must demonstrate adequate grip and control, as cost-efficiency savings can still be realised in-year while networks are formed.’

The pathology update was published as NHS England and NHS Improvement said 18 imaging networks will be created by 2023. Where possible, these will align with pathology networks.

They said imaging networks will reduce unwarranted variation in both pay and non-pay costs, provide a better service to patients and deliver savings.

The programme will be implemented in two phases – 24 networks will be established by 2022 and consolidated to 18 in the following year.