Peninsula Pathology Network newsletter
The latest updates for pathology services in the South West
December 2025
Welcome
I would like to start by recognising the challenging financial and operational positions that we have all had to deal with this year and the hard work of the network team and local leaders to continue working towards a fully collaborative future for pathology.
Part of our role has been continuing to seek funding from NHS England, especially for digital modernisation and histopathology productivity. We have worked hard to secure significant additional funds in the last few weeks that will enable greater automation, support the ongoing roll-out of digital pathology, and assist in detailed planning for much of our future estate. Next year will see us continue to work on planning for the transformation of services that is so needed.
Our plans are being recognised by NHS England, the wider pathology community, and the media as aspirational and worthy of support. This is a tribute to everyone who works so hard in the peninsula to deliver or support pathology services. From myself and the network team, we wish you a restful Christmas and New Year.
Digital implementation
We have recently received the news that the Peninsula Pathology Network has secured £4.2 million from NHS England’s ongoing Digital Diagnostic Capability (DDC) programme.
The funding is intended to introduce digital technology to speed up diagnoses, improve patient outcomes, and make it easier to share diagnostic results across different parts of the NHS.
In Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the bid was to help invest in digital histopathology and automation, that could increase the speed and volume of tests conducted.
Tool to share test results rolls out across the peninsula
The roll-out of ICE OpenNet is enabling clinicians to access pathology and other diagnostic test results from across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The ICE system from CliniSys is an order communications and results reporting system that is used extensively in NHS hospitals and GP practices. The OpenNet web-based application works between sites enabling clinicians to view pathology and other test results. This helps save time across NHS pathways and avoid repeat tests. It is proving especially useful in the Emergency Department.
Support workforce study day
Support workers are invited to attend a bespoke study day on 5 March 2026. The day will be particularly suitable for Band 2-4 clinical and non-clinical support staff, working in cancer and diagnostics, region-wide.
The day will include training such as: how to communicate effectively in challenging situations, help in gaining confidence to raise and resolve concerns, ways to navigate your career pathway with purpose, and support from mentors in clinical practice.
Speakers confirmed so far include:
- Katie Thompson, President, Society of Radiographers (SoR)
- Sue Johnson, Professional Officer (Clinical Imaging), SoR
- Jane Bunce, Workforce Supply Senior Manager, NHS England South West
- Andy Garner, Oncology Lead Educator
The study day will take place at the South West Imaging Training Academy (SWITA), Plymouth. To express your interest, complete the short form here:
Recognition for RCHT journal paper
A paper by the Diagnostic Cytopathology team at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, published in the Journal of Molecular Pathology, has been chosen as an Editor's Choice article.
The article has achieved more than 5,285 views and has been downloaded over 1,685 times.
The paper, on the ‘Use of the Biocartis Idylla™ Platform for the Detection of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, BRAF and KRAS Proto-Oncogene Mutations in Liquid-Based Cytology Specimens from Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma and Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma’, described a study to to demonstrate rapid and effective molecular testing on liquid-based cytology (LBC) samples through the team’s innovative Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) service.
The test can help in the selection of the most effective first-line targeted therapy sooner, improving patient outcomes by reducing delays, or side effects from suboptimal treatments.
Discovering scientific careers in healthcare
We’re excited for the final two career events in this year’s ‘Discover Diagnostics’ series.
We’ve had a great response to our first two events at SWITA in Plymouth and the Horizon Centre at Torbay Hospital.
The final two events are as follows:
- Saturday 24 January 2026: University of Exeter - Morning session / Afternoon session
- Saturday 28 February: Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro (details tbc)
Click the links for more details and to book a place.
These events are aimed at those who want to find out more about scientific careers in healthcare. Held in collaboration with hospital trusts, they offer the opportunity to meet and chat with a range of healthcare colleagues, take part in interactive workshops and discover more about the careers on offer.
> Read more about our Discover Diagnostics events
CASE STUDY: Lily’s journey - from T-Level student to healthcare science apprentice
Well done to T-Level Health student, Lily, who secured a Healthcare Science Assistant apprenticeship, following an inspiring ten-month industry placement within the Pathology Directorate at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.
Lily had been working alongside experienced Laboratory Technicians and Healthcare Scientists, who welcomed her as a valuable member of the team. Lily’s confidence has grown and her passion for a science-based career has blossomed.
Lily says, ‘I am super grateful for the opportunities the T level gave me, everyone at the college and my work colleagues in Microbiology at Derriford for supporting my placement as it has really set me up for a future career in the NHS.’
The T-Level in Health combines classroom learning with extended industry placements, giving students the chance to apply theory to practice and gain essential workplace experience. Opportunities like Lily’s demonstrate how T-Levels are helping to bridge the gap between education and employment in the NHS and beyond.
Thank you to Pathology colleagues for supporting Lily.
Behind the blue lights: Cornwall’s blood science team
Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust was recently contacted by Harvey Lab Tours to provide an insight into the tours they deliver at the hospital in a blog for the Institute of Biomedical Science.
A huge thank-you to Nesa Kelmendi, for arranging the tours, which allow families to see inside the Blood Sciences Laboratory, where teams in chemistry, haematology and blood transfusion work together to keep patients across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly safe and cared for.
New storage for South West Blood Bikes
(l to r) Simeon Green, University Hospitals Plymouth Pathology Service Manager, Megan Thomas from BD, Pathology Network Director David Gibbs, and Steve Jones, Trustee and South Area Team Manager for South West Blood Bikes, are pictured at the official opening of their new storage space.
The depot, located at medical technology manufacturer Becton Dickson’s (BD) Plymouth site, can store four bikes and two cars, and will help the volunteer-led charity expand its capacity to provide urgent medical courier services in the region.
OPINION: Securing the future of digital pathology
In an opinion piece for Pathology in Practice, Network Director David Gibbs discusses the conditions needed to secure the future of digital pathology, including unified digital infrastructure, the role of artificial intelligence, and collaboration between technology partners.
2026 IBMS Awards now open
Entries are now open if you’d like to nominate a colleague or team who have delivered outstanding work in the biomedical science profession.
The IBMS Awards cover 13 categories, so there are plenty of opportunities to showcase your work, with awards available for both organisations and individuals.
The deadline for early bird entries is 9 January 2026. More information on the categories and nomination process is here:
