Overview

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust has initiated a significant upgrade in its healthcare operations by implementing the Clinisys ICE electronic test ordering system. This transition aims to streamline the process of ordering radiology and pathology tests.

Key Details

• The system was rolled out in June 2025 to approximately 2,000 clinical users across various departments, including wards, maternity, pediatrics, emergency care, and outpatients.
• Previously, test orders were placed using a 25-year-old patient administration system or on paper, which has now been replaced by a more modern and user-friendly interface.
• The implementation of ICE is a foundational step towards further digital advancements, including the procurement of a new electronic patient record system and the deployment of the Clinisys WinPath laboratory information management system (LIMS) next year.

Benefits of the New System

With the new LIMS, clinicians will be able to receive test results electronically through ICE, which is expected to:

1. Improve turnaround times for test results.
2. Provide clinicians with more comprehensive information for diagnosis and treatment.

Project Insights

Guy Sisson, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Chief Clinical Information Officer at the Trust, noted:

“This has been a long-running project that has really picked up speed over the past year. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive regarding the system’s intuitiveness.”

Collaboration and Future Plans

The implementation of Clinisys ICE is part of a broader initiative within the Kent and Medway Pathology Network, which includes:

• Seven laboratories across four NHS trusts.
• Aiming to create a unified pathology platform by implementing Clinisys WinPath at all laboratories.
• Extending ICE access to GPs, enhancing collaboration between hospital clinicians and general practitioners.

Conclusion

Mo Khan, Programme Director-Digital at Dartford and Gravesham, emphasized the advantages of having a shared IT platform:

“This integration will reduce the need for repeat tests and provide clinicians with more information for patient care.”

About Clinisys

Clinisys is a global leader in diagnostic informatics solutions, dedicated to enhancing laboratory efficiency and improving public health outcomes. Their systems are utilized in over 4,000 laboratories across 39 countries.