Quick Summary

Northern Ireland’s laboratory services have reached a significant milestone with the completion of phase three of the CoreLIMS programme. This initiative aims to modernize pathology services by implementing the Clinisys WinPath laboratory information management system across all health and social care trusts, including the blood transfusion service.

Key Developments

• Phase three concluded in late October, with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust going live with Clinisys WinPath in blood sciences and microbiology.
• Belfast Health and Social Care Trust adopted the laboratory information management system for the national cervical cytology screening service.
• South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust successfully implemented the blood transfusion module.

Statements from Officials

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt praised the efforts of all teams involved, stating, “A world-class digital healthcare service is at the heart of our future healthcare needs. This will enable us to better manage demand, standardize reporting across the health service, and ensure a better service for patients.”

Objectives of the CoreLIMS Programme

• Create an integrated regional laboratory service.
• Streamline management and standardize workflows.
• Modernize working conditions and improve patient access.

Future Plans

• Only the Southern and Western trusts remain to go live, expected to occur next year.
• The CoreLIMS programme will continue to align with other IT initiatives, including a new electronic patient record system.

Impact on Pathology Services

• Pathology services in Northern Ireland cost approximately £100 million annually and employ over 1,100 staff across 12 laboratory sites.
• The CoreLIMS project is expected to enhance efficiency and safety in blood tracking, with plans for ‘vein to vein’ tracking by early 2026.

Conclusion

The successful implementation of phase three of the CoreLIMS programme marks a crucial step in enhancing laboratory services in Northern Ireland, paving the way for improved patient care and operational efficiency.

Sources

• Northern Ireland’s blood transfusion service migrates to Clinisys WinPath – Med-Tech Innovation
• Northern Ireland’s blood transfusion service migrates to Clinisys WinPath
• Northern Ireland’s blood transfusion service goes live with Clinisys WinPath
• Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service migrates to new lab info system | UKAuthority
• NIBTS migrates from 15-year-old lab information system to Clinisys WinPath – Medical Buyer