Managing stock across a pathology network is never straightforward. Multiple hospitals, central hubs, GP practices, and outsourced services all pulling on the same supply chain creates constant tension. Instead of a smooth process, teams often find themselves firefighting using tools like excel and email trying to make sure materials are where they’re needed.
We all know that this complexity eats into time and resources. Your staff spend hours reconciling fragmented systems, double-checking orders, and chasing stock that should already be there.
Then, compliance with UKAS adds yet another layer of traceability and validation processes. All essential, of course, but exhausting when systems aren’t joined up.
The result of these layered challenges is clear and serious: wasted staff hours, unnecessary costs, and the ever-present risk of compliance failures or impacts to patients due to stock not being where it should be..
We know that pathology teams want something simpler: a system that gives them time back for what matters most. One that just ‘deals with it’, and does it well. You want:
- To know that stock is available, in-date and validated (as well as your processes being compliant) without having to chase the information.
- You want GP’s and providers to order consumables and tests without the need for email or excel sheets.
- You need confidence that you’re supporting frontline services rather than getting trapped in a loop of endless admin.
- You want a fulfilment service that scales without the need for additional staff/teams
But, you don’t take action – and we get why! It’s common to think “this is just how pathology networks work” or “a solution will be too expensive or complicated or time consuming to onboard.” Maybe you believe coordination across hospitals, hubs, and GPs is too complicated to fix, so you’re settling for a cycle of inefficiency and frustration due to no clear option.
Well, digital ecosystems are starting to change that. By linking GPs, hospitals, and suppliers in one place, networks can gain live visibility of stock, centralise ordering, and support compliance as a natural outcome of the process. Instead of firefighting, pathology teams can finally feel in control.
The challenge is clear, but so is the opportunity. For networks ready to take a more connected approach, the benefits go beyond efficiency: they create more resilient, more confident services for patients and staff alike.
We’ve developed a digital ecosystem of our own to start paving the way, check out the link below to find out more or contact us at hello@centrixconnect.com.