Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has recently integrated a new laboratory information system, Clinisys’ WinPath, into its blood transfusion service to enhance its digital capabilities.
This update is part of a wider project to introduce a single laboratory information management system (LIMS) across the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts. Having successfully implemented WinPath at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’ University Hospitals, the plan is to eventually roll out the system to other pathology disciplines across the trust and all six trusts within the association.
The implementation of WinPath has also involved the adoption of Clinisys’ order communications system, ICE, and an upgrade to the blood tracking system. These enhancements are expected to improve the efficiency of accessing blood test results, leading to quicker diagnoses and better patient outcomes.
Stephen Stephenson, head of profession for pathology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, highlighted the significance of a single LIMS in standardizing working practices and reporting procedures, as well as preparing for future developments and the introduction of AI.
The West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT) LIMS implementation manager, Janine Bontoft, emphasized that the new LIMS will support the introduction of bedside blood tracking and integrated blood fridges to enhance patient safety and maximize the utilization of blood products.
With Leeds now live with WinPath, the focus is on implementing the system at the three remaining blood transfusion laboratories within WYAAT and planning for blood sciences and microbiology implementation in Leeds.
In addition to these developments, the association is establishing a cutting-edge Centre for Laboratory Medicine in Leeds, with Clinisys WinPath serving as the selected LIMS.
Clinisys WinPath is also playing a key role in a major pathology transformation programme in Northern Ireland, with both Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust having already deployed the system.
