SYNLAB UK and Ireland officially launched its newest NHS pathology service on 1 October, SYNLAB Essex.
Under a 15-year contract with Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, SYNLAB Essex has been commissioned to unify the pathology services that currently support GP practices and clinicians across the Trust’s Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals. This includes the provision of blood, tissue and other sample testing, as well as phlebotomy clinics, for a patient population of 1.2 million in mid and south Essex.
Together with the Trust, SYNLAB Essex will provide a ‘hub and spoke’ pathology network which focuses routine and specialist testing in high-capacity ‘hub’ laboratories, with modernised laboratory ‘spokes’ at each hospital supporting emergency and inpatient care. This clinically led model is proven to free up valuable NHS hospital estate, improve testing turnaround times and future proof the service for the needs of our growing population.
To support this Essex contract, SYNLAB has committed to significant investment in people, modern facilities and state of the art technology, with operations set to remain based in the area. This includes the opening, in late 2027, of a Cellular Pathology Hub and UK centre of excellence in Basildon.
SYNLAB has a track record both in the UK and globally in the design and provision of hub and spoke pathology services models.
Mark Dollar, CEO, SYNLAB UK&I, commented: “Over the past 12 years we’ve built trusted partnerships, shared expertise and made a lasting impact on the community of south Essex. Today, we are celebrating the start of a new chapter and the deepening of our relationship with the area. The Trust can count on the collective experience of their new SYNLAB Essex colleagues who remain as committed to the people of mid and south Essex as they are.”
Dr John Burke, SYNLAB’s Chief Medical Officer added: “About 70% of treatment decisions are informed by pathology testing, so fast, accurate, test results are vital for the patients we serve. Our hub and spoke model will align and improve standards so we’re able to provide the highest quality diagnostic service to hospital clinicians, GPs and our community across mid and south Essex.”