Routine pathology tests delay (biochemistry and haematology)
May 31, 2018
31st May 2018 @ 18.30hrs
Dear Colleagues
In the past 24 hours the Trust has experienced problems with a part of its IT infrastructure. The impact has been felt mainly on the Sandwell site and has impacted on blood sciences analytical capabilities for biochemistry and haematology samples only. Whilst we are still able to perform the full range of analytical tests the turnaround times for routine samples will be extended whilst we prioritise urgent and inpatient work. This will therefore mean that routine hospital out-patient and GP work is delayed. We are anticipating the issue to be resolved soon and that the service will recover over the weekend and be back to normal by Monday. We will notify you again if this is not the case. Results will appear through your normal systems when their analysis is complete. In the meantime, should you consider any sample already sent to be more urgent please do contact the laboratories directly so that samples can be identified and re-prioritised. Significant abnormal results will be phoned through as per normal practice, and you should expect to see results back through ICE within 48 hours.
Please accept our apologies for the delay in service, the cause of which is undergoing thorough investigation.
Please use the following telephone numbers for reprioritisation of tests already submitted (NB staff are busy with the backlog so please be patient): SWBHT ext 2747.
David Carruthers Medical Director
Jonathan Walters Group Director of Operations Pathology and Imaging