Pathology firm struggling to return tests in time

King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust said turnaround times for histopathology tests carried out by Synnovis had fallen below expected standards and that immediate action was needed to the “time-critical” care needs of some patients.

Synnovis is 51 per cent owned by pathology firm Synlab and 49 per cent by Guy’s and St Thomas’ FT and King’s.

The delays follow the relocation of services into Synnovis’ new hub in Blackfriars in central London. This hub is set to process around 70 per cent of all the pathology work the company undertakes. 

The trust told HSJ that it was taking too long to transport samples the four miles from the hospital to the hub and then to complete testing and return results. This has meant that some results have not been available in time for planned discussions between clinicians and patients, “potentially then delaying the start of their treatment”.

The trust said it was reviewing affected patients to ensure “rapid escalation where necessary”. It is also holding daily meetings with the company to identify any patient whose results are needed urgently.

Synnovis has apologised to patients and families impacted by the changes.

Mark Dollar, chief executive of Synnovis, said: “We remain confident in both the hub model and the talent and dedication of the joint venture partners behind it.

“There is no question that the scale and complexity of this transformation are significant. Critically, so are the advances in patient care and innovation it will deliver.

“I recognise this is of little relevance to any patients and families impacted by these changes though, and to them I offer our deepest apologies.”

A Guy’s and St Thomas’ FT spokesperson said: “We continue to work closely with colleagues at Synnovis, as well as King’s College Hospital, to improve the delivery of pathology services, particularly where there is a need to improve turnaround times to meet agreed standards.”

Synnovis was the victim of a major ransomware cyber attack in June 2024, which disrupted pathology services across London.