Management
The New NHS: From Integrated Care Systems to Neighbourhood Health
Executive summary The NHS in England is entering its most significant structural and operational change since the introduction of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) in 2022. The direction of travel is set out in the 10-Year Health Plan for England, published in July 2025, which seeks to move the NHS from a hospital-centred, reactive service towards…
Read MoreTony Cambridge talks Transformation and Frustrations Affecting the Delivery of the 10 Year Health Plan
Transforming the NHS: Progress, Ambition and Friction One Year into the 10-Year Health Plan When the UK government published Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England in July 2025, it framed the moment as a decisive break from a hospital-centric, reactive model of care. Life expectancy had stalled, public satisfaction with the…
Read MoreThe IBMS publishes the Pathology Transformation Report 2026
An independent review of UK pathology services, commissioned by the Institute of Biomedical Science and chaired by Lord Carter of Coles.
Read MoreBarriers to Implementing Point-of-Care Testing in Community Healthcare Settings
Introduction Point-of-care testing (POCT) refers to diagnostic testing performed at or near the site of patient care, delivering rapid results that can inform immediate clinical decisions. It has been widely promoted as a transformative innovation in community healthcare, particularly in primary care, pharmacies, and home-based services. By reducing turnaround times and enabling decentralised diagnostics, POCT…
Read MoreStrengthening community diagnostic centres through point-of-care testing
Community diagnostics centres (CDCs) are improving capacity across the NHS in England. Moving diagnostics away from hospitals and central hubs and into communities results in faster, more accessible care that better meets the needs of patients. However, not all specialties are benefiting equally from these new centres. Gastroenterology and ear, nose and throat (ENT) diagnostics…
Read MoreBuilding Sustainability in POCT Through Ward-Based Key Trainers – A Case Study from Theatres
Introduction Point of Care Testing (POCT) services are rapidly expanding. New devices are being introduced at scale across acute, community, and even pre-hospital settings. The demand for bedside diagnostics is growing faster than ever, but POCT teams themselves are not expanding at the same pace. In most trusts, small central teams are now responsible for…
Read MorePoint of Care Blog Series 1 – Blog 2. Bringing the Lab Home: How Community Teams Are Impacting Care in the Patient Home
Welcome to our readers. We are joined today by Nicky Hollowood, POCT Cross Site lead IPS (Harrogate Airedale and Bradford) and Lead Healthcare Scientist Moderator – Tony Cambridge TC: Hi Nicky, it’s a pleasure to have you contribute to our blog series focussed on exploring hot topics in the point of care, rapid diagnostics and…
Read MorePoint of Care Blog Series 1 – Blog 1. Diagnostics on the Move: Community Hubs and Mobile Testing Explained
Welcome to our readers. We are joined today by Olusegun Olayemi (POCT Cross-site Manager for Bradford and Airedale Teaching Hospitals). Moderator – Tony Cambridge TC: Hi Olusegun, it’s a pleasure to have you participate in our new series of blogs focussed on exploring hot topics in the point of care, rapid diagnostics, and in-vitro diagnostics…
Read MoreThe need for point of care teams to operate as a business unit
AbstractAll point of care services, regardless of size and complexity, should be operating as a business unit with clear financial goals and accountability. Point of care testing is one of the specialist areas of healthcare that continues to grow in diversity, scope and impact. A functional business unit will have strong leadership, a medium to…
Read MorePoint-of-Care Breakthrough: Direct Whole Blood Test for Pre-Eclampsia Diagnosis now available
Pre-eclampsia is a condition affecting approximately 3–5% of pregnancies and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby. It is believed to result from abnormal placental development and is typically characterised by high blood pressure and proteinuria. However, these symptoms are non-specific and can complicate timely diagnosis. Moreover, they are…
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