We aim to provide results as rapidly as possible. Paper reports are sent out using the internal post to hospital locations and by post or hospital transport to GP surgeries, other hospitals and clinics.
Results are available electronically within the Trust via a Web application accessible through the Trust Intranet. It is used in Out-Patient clinics and wards, and results from any patient can be viewed, regardless from where the request was made. Webpath, an application similar to this, is available to GPs via the Internet using a secure NHSNet connection. Both these systems are provided and supported by the Trust IT department.
GP surgeries can also be linked electronically and currently, over 60 GP practices receive results using standard EDIFACT messaging to clinical systems provided by external suppliers such as EMIS, InPractice Systems and TOREX. EDIFACT messaging is managed directly by Pathology.