IBMS Congress 2025

Implementation of the FHIR-SNOMED CT information standard to send new laboratory tests and more accurate patient test results

9am – 9.30am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Laboratory IT

Abstract

This presentation will explain the long overdue requirement to send new laboratory tests and enhance the data quality, accuracy, and comparability of patient test reporting from laboratories to GP patient records. The current messaging specification (NHS003 PMIP-EDIFACT) can only carry Read Codes which are out of date, have not been maintained for almost ten years and are inherently ambiguous in their design. These codes currently account for a third of all coded patient information in GP patient records and are being used to drive patient care. Unfortunately, laboratories do not have access to SNOMED CT codes that more accurately represent comparable patient test results and new tests dues to the EDFACT technical debt. The SNOMED CT codes have been developed with laboratory specialists to accurately represent the common language across UK laboratories and pathology specialisms.

The presentation will summarise the planned data flow pilots with laboratory middleware suppliers and GP suppliers, to replace the patient test data flow with FHIR messaging and SNOMED CT, and the discovery work the team has conducted to elucidate the key requirements for laboratories to migrate and flow better SNOMED CT codes in support of data-driven care.

Learning Outcomes

Delegates will understand:

• How the information standard enables the sending of new tests electronically and enhances the quality of the patient test results
• What the SNOMED CT PaLM (pathology and laboratory medicine) terminology looks like and how it improves the accuracy of computable test results to drive patient care
• How we can represent more complex structured results in FHIR-SNOMED CT that are machine processable
• What this means in relation to the LIMS implementation, the system architecture and transmission of the data

Speakers

Karim Nashar

Terminology Design Specialist, Standards Implementation Team, Technology and Information Standards NHS England

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Impact of digital initiatives on patient care – a national view

9.30am – 10am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Laboratory IT

Abstract

The healthcare landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, with digital technology playing a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes, streamlining processes, and enabling more personalised care. This session, will explore how digital innovation is being integrated across the diagnostic pathways to enhance patient care and support the healthcare workforce.

Drawing on real-life examples from the NHS, the talk will highlight how digital solutions—from connected systems and whole slide imaging to artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics—are enabling earlier detection, faster turnaround times, and more accurate diagnoses. Attendees will gain insight into how digital platforms can break down silos, supporting multidisciplinary collaboration and ensuring that clinicians have timely access to the information they need to make informed decisions.

The session will also discuss the importance of interoperability and standardisation, as well as the role of national programmes in enabling transformation and scaling successful innovations. By reducing duplication, improving workflow efficiency, and providing decision-support tools, digital solutions are not only improving clinical outcomes but also enhancing patient experience, empowering individuals to take a more active role in managing their own health.

The session will address the challenges of adoption, including workforce engagement and capacity, harmonisation and infrastructure needs, and will outline the strategies NHS England is using to embed a culture of innovation while maintaining patient safety and trust.

Delegates will leave with a clear understanding of the current and future role of digital diagnostics in the NHS, and how these advances can be leveraged to deliver more equitable, sustainable, and patient-centred care.

Speakers

Katrina Randle MSc. FIBMS

Senior Programme Manager, NHS England

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Rob Longstaff

Head of Digital Diagnostics, NHS England

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Implementing LIMS in Scotland

10.30am – 11am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Laboratory IT

Learning outcomes

Delegates will:

• Gain awareness of the drivers, current status and plans for the LIMS implementation programme in Scotland
• Understand the challenges and opportunities of implementing a once-for-Scotland LIMS in line with Digital Strategy
• Be informed how the programme is responding to lessons learned

Cyber security and patient safety considerations for the biomedical services within the NHS

11am – 11.30am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Laboratory IT

Learning outcomes

Delegates will learn

• Major cyber incidents and impacts
• Considerations regarding product lifecycle
• The impacts on patients if we don’t get this right

Speakers

Chris Day

Clinical Lead Cyber Operations, NHS England

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Responding to the Synnovis cyber incident

11.30am – 12pm BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Laboratory IT

Abstract

Gary was the Chief Information Officer at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and the Chief Technology Officer for London in 2024, during the Synnovis Cyber Attack. This lecture will cover the incident and timeline of the Synnovis cyber-attack in South East London.  Delivered by the first responder to the incident, the talk will cover what happens when you have a cyber-attack of this magnitude and the challenges associated with recovery.

The talk will cover the perspective(s) of the attack from a national, regional and local perspective, as well as the clinical and operational challenges to managing business continuity during an incident of scale.  Throughout the talk the listener will hear first hand how 3rd party influences can change the trajectory of such an incident and the required dynamics to deliver care during a disaster.

In conclusion the talk will cover the best practice cyber methods for reducing the risk of such an attack.