Slashing waiting times for test results

A potentially life-saving new system which has been trialled in GP practices in the borough is set to be rolled out across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.

This new computer programme allows test results such as blood, urine and swabs to be requested electronically by the practice and the results sent from the lab directly to the GP's computer.

A spokesperson for NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale said: "By making the process fully electronic, waiting times for results have been drastically reduced. Previously it could take up to two weeks for test results to be ready for patients; now they are usually available the next day. This can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment which in some cases could be life saving."

The improvements have also made a difference to the accuracy of the results as the testing lab at the Royal Oldham hospital now have all of the details they need every time. The system has so far been trialled in The Dawes Family Practice and following the success of this pilot every GP practice in the area will receive the new system.

Joanne Marriott, Healthcare Assistant at the Dawes Family Surgery said: “The improvements since the new test ordering system has come in have been really fantastic. It’s a much more efficient process so I can take more time with my patients rather than spending half of the appointment filling out forms and ringing the laboratory. I’m also now always on time when previously I would often be running late leaving patients waiting to have their samples taken. It’s great to see how better IT is supporting us in improving the standard of care we are able to give to our patients.”