South West London Pathology (SWLP) has initiated a comprehensive modernisation of its clinical blood science services, beginning with the installation of state-of-the-art analysers at Croydon Hospital. This development marks the first phase of a broader implementation strategy across the SWLP network, encompassing clinical chemistry, haematology, coagulation, serology, and pre-analytical automation systems.

The laboratory network, comprising five sites, is engineered to process more than 30,000 specimens daily at full operational capacity. This substantial throughput capability serves a catchment population exceeding 3.5 million individuals across South West London, supporting five hospital sites and 450 general practices.

The modernisation programme represents a significant advancement in NHS diagnostic capabilities, with the Croydon facility serving as the flagship installation. The initiative encompasses the deployment of Beckman Coulter’s latest-generation analysers, selected to enhance both analytical precision and operational efficiency.

From left to right: Matthew Kershaw, chief executive of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust; Simon Brewer, SWLP Managing Director; Rob Young, UK General Manager for Beckman Coulter; Wendy Armstrong, Consultant Clinical Scientist, and; Frederick Mpambire, Clinical Blood Sciences Spoke Site Manager

Integration of services

The expanded partnership, which incorporated Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust in May 2021, has established an integrated pathology service network. This consolidation enables standardised analytical methodologies across all sites, potentially reducing interlaboratory variation and enhancing result compatibility throughout the network.

Simon Brewer, SWLP Managing Director, emphasised the strategic importance of the development, saying: “The successful introduction of the Beckman Coulter analysers at Croydon Hospital marks our first step towards an exciting new future for our clinical blood science services. As we continue to introduce new analysers across our network, we will be able to push the boundaries of diagnostic services in this area.”

Technological advancement

The implementation includes comprehensive pre-analytical automation, addressing a critical phase in specimen processing where errors traditionally have the highest probability of occurrence. This systematic approach to modernisation aims to enhance both analytical quality and operational efficiency.

Rob Young, UK General Manager for Beckman Coulter, outlined the operational benefits: “We are proud to provide Croydon with critical laboratory equipment which utilises the newest technologies and performs in line with the world’s most advanced laboratories. By enhancing the capabilities of the laboratory staff, we are enabling them to not only increase the volume of tests but also to improve the quality of the results they provide to the clinical community.