Transformative Change in Northern Ireland: CoreLIMS Laboratory Information Management System

The introduction of a new standardised digital system for medical lab test results in Northern Ireland marks a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare landscape. This new system, the CoreLIMS Laboratory Information Management System, has been hailed as a transformative change for clinical care, bringing together previously disparate medical disciplines and enhancing the efficiency of test result management.

• The previous seven separate systems for managing test results were used for different medical disciplines, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of standardization.
• These systems were outdated and in need of replacement, causing challenges for laboratory staff and clinicians.

The previous system was a patchwork of different technologies and systems, each with its own set of functionality and user interface. This led to significant duplication of effort and resources, and ultimately compromised the quality and accuracy of test results. The key challenge in introducing a new system was the need to integrate seven separate systems into one, while ensuring that data and functionality were not lost during the process.

The Rollout and Benefits

1. The 18-month rollout of the CoreLIMS system involved significant planning and preparation, with input from various stakeholders, including laboratory staff, clinicians, and IT professionals.
2. The system was supplied by Clinisys, a leading provider of laboratory information management systems.
3. With over 2,000 laboratory staff in Northern Ireland uploading results to the system, the CoreLIMS has processed almost 130 million results since November 2023.

The results of the rollout are already beginning to pay dividends, with improved efficiency, accuracy, and standardization of test results across the region.

Quotations from Industry Experts

blockquote>“Completing the replacement of the ageing and disparate legacy lab systems across the trusts with one regional standardised system has been the result of years of hard work,” said Jennifer Welsh, chief executive of Northern Health Trust. "I would like to acknowledge all the teams and individuals involved, for all the planning, preparation and long hours worked to facilitate this important transition.”

blockquote>“Now that the rollout is complete across Northern Ireland, I am looking forward to seeing how patients and HSCNI will benefit from a significantly updated, improved, and rationalised LIMS,” said Karin Jackson, chief executive of NIBTS and project lead for the CoreLIMS. "Delivering this technically complex programme in a fast-moving environment would not have been possible without the long hours, commitment, and support from colleagues in the trusts, NIBTS, BSO and Clinisys teams.”

Highlighting the Significance of CoreLIMS

• CoreLIMS is the first of its kind in the UK and Ireland, setting a new standard for laboratory information management systems.
• The system is designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of test result management, while also providing a more standardized and user-friendly experience for laboratory staff and clinicians.

In summary, the introduction of the CoreLIMS Laboratory Information Management System in Northern Ireland marks a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare landscape, bringing together disparate medical disciplines and enhancing the efficiency of test result management. With its improved efficiency, accuracy, and standardization, CoreLIMS is poised to make a positive impact on patient care and clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

The successful rollout of the CoreLIMS system is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the individuals involved, from laboratory staff to IT professionals, and from clinicians to project leaders. As the system continues to benefit patients and clinicians across the region, it is clear that this is a transformational change that will have a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape in Northern Ireland.