Why was SPAN established?
The Scottish Pathology Network (SPAN) has been in existence formally for over ten years, making it the longest established of five national managed diagnostic networks (NMDNs). In that time there has significant change in pathology services, from modernisation of equipment to rationalisation of laboratory sites. SPAN has supported this, by leading on agreeing a consortium model for cervical cytology labs which brought them together into collaborative clusters. The network has achieved a great deal in ensuring excellent intra-Board communications and developing a Scotland-wide approach.
There are currently ten NHS Boards providing pathology services for the whole of Scotland.
SPAN was established to improve pathology services by creating and developing a Scotland-wide National Managed Diagnostic Network, which would: steer modernisation, including service change and redesign, improve quality, ensure provision of an effective pathology service which anticipates and responds to user needs, future requirements, national guidelines and meets laboratory accreditation standards.
We have a number of subgroups established. If you would like to join a group, please contact nss.SPAN@nhs.scot