Homerton Hospital opens ‘superb’ new pathology lab following controversial NHS merger

Louise Ashley and Sir John Gieve cut the ribbon, with Andrew Knott looking on (right). Photograph: Homerton Hospital

Homerton Hospital’s new essential services pathology lab is officially open after a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week attended by chief executive Louise Ashley.

It follows a contentious merger between Homerton, Barts, and Lewisham and Greenwich trusts, which now form the NHS East & South East London Pathology Partnership.

This regional model prompted concern locally, with Healthwatch Hackney, Labour politicians and NHS campaigners voicing misgivings.

The Homerton’s previous chief executive, Tracey Fletcher, said patients should “not see any difference” in care.

The hospital’s chair Sir John Gieve, who helped cut the ribbon at the new lab, said: “We have been through much effort to get to this point but we now have superb new pathology facilities just across the corridor to the emergency department and supporting other key clinical areas in our hospital.”

The facility will focus on urgent tests requiring a quick turnaround in emergency and specialist areas such as ICU, children’s intensive care and maternity.

Andrew Knott, managing director of the new pathology partnership, said: “Pathology plays an essential role in approximately 70 per cent of patient pathways.

“The creation of a shared network for pathology across east and south-east London reflects the wider NHS national pathology strategy to meet the changing needs of patients and to be able to take full advantage of developments in new testing technology.”