In this section

  1. KMPN Transformation Programmes

    Transformation programmes to modernise and standardise pathology services.

  2. Strategy and vision

    Learn about our strategy and vision.

  3. Join us

    Join the Kent and Medway Pathology Network.

  4. Collaboration Agreement

    Become a single service alongside the existing joint programmes of work.

Our strategic goals are to provide:

  • a clinically and financially sustainable single pathology service based on a strong, viable service that is clinically led, standardised, innovative and creative
  • a high-quality diagnostic service for patients, hospital and general practitioners, which meets their current and future needs
  • a workforce that feels valued, involved and owns the single pathology service as partners in the service - and it is a great place to work
  • service models in the pathology service in Kent and Medway to deliver technological change, increased efficiency and meaningful roles for staff, which maximises their potential and meets the needs of the client Trusts and commissioners.
  • transition to the new service in a creative and competent manner.
  • a digital, interoperative Laboratory Information Management system linking each laboratory and testing platforms
  • a coordinated procurement approach, standardising testing and equipment.

How it works

Each provides blood sciences, blood transfusion and microbiology services, plus some specific to each team:

  • andrology (diseases and conditions specific to men) provided by NKPS and EKHUFT.
  • cellular pathology at Maidstone Hospital and William Harvey Hospital.
  • immunology at William Harvey Hospital.
  • regional haemophilia service at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

Our 800 colleagues provide services across the health and care sector to a population of nearly two million people. Each pathology department operates United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) assessed laboratories, many with 24-hour or on-call services. They provide efficient, high quality, accurate technical services, as well as expert scientific interpretation and specialist clinical advice to hospitals and GPs.

KMPN is undertaking a range of transformation programmes to improve pathology services across the region. These are:

  • workforce education and network development to bring all pathology staff currently employed at different trusts under a single service starting with a single management. Whilst pathology services still sit within these trusts, with staff at laboratories employed by either EKHUFT, MTW or NKPS, senior pathology managers across the county are now managed by the KMPN managing and clinical directors. Eventually, all pathology staff will be managed by KMPN which will have sole responsibility for pathology services
  • introducing a single system allowing GPs to request tests for patients at any hospital within the network
  • introducing a common Laboratory Information System that will allow laboratories to manage patients' tests and results across Kent and Medway
  • a new digital pathology solution making our services more efficient and flexible at EKHUFT and MTW
  • procuring a single Managed Equipment Service (MES) contract to streamline our contracts and reduce costs.

GPs, community healthcare practitioners and other healthcare professionals can find out more information about our services and these transformation programmes in the transformation programmes section.

Values

As KMPN operates across three employing trusts, it is important that the network values are aligned with each Trust's values.

Our ways of working - we expect

  • to all have a voice
  • to be listened to and given timely feedback on our ideas and concerns
  • to be treated fairly
  • to be appreciated 
  • to be supported to be healthy and happy at work.

Our careers - we expect

  • to 'grow our own' from local areas and attract the best from elsewhere
  • a guided and supported career structure for everyone
  • equal access to learning and development opportunities wherever we work and whatever our working hours
  • to be able to work at the level we are trained and paid for as well as being able to stretch ourselves to develop
  • to be able to lead - whatever level we work at.

Our work - we expect

  • to enjoy our jobs and for our work to be interesting
  • to be proud of our work
  • to be included in network projects
  • harmonisation in our jobs wherever we work
  • to be treated with flexibility as individuals with different working and access needs.

Our services - we expect

  • to feel part of the clinical team across the patient pathway
  • to make others aware of the importance of pathology
  • all our sites to be treated as equally important
  • to work as a whole network team
  • to learn and share our learning across the network and beyond
  • to innovate, research, improve and integrate our services using latest technology to help deliver the clinical strategy.

Our patients - we expect

  • patients to be at the heart of everything we do
  • to ask what matters to patients
  • to deliver services that are equitable, high quality, safe and accurate across Kent and Medway, and beyond
  • to get the whole sample pathway right
  • to deliver services which are exemplary, timely, sustainable, value for money and eco-friendly where possible.