Diagnostic automation
key for NHS to
‘build back better’

Home Blog Diagnostic automation key for NHS to ‘build back better’

Government and industry have an opportunity to use diagnostic automation to revolutionise healthcare in the UK : it’s time to take it.

2nd December 2021Lorraine Wenham

Significant government attention and investment in diagnostics is very much welcome. But it is vital we do not merely ‘catch up’ and in doing so reinforce a system that was already inadequate.

Government and industry have an opportunity to revolutionise diagnostics in the UK: it’s time to take it.

In the UK government’s 2021 budget, they committed to spending an additional £248m over the next two years to digitise diagnostics. Its aim is to drive efficiency, save staff time and tackle the care backlog which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.

The government’s focus on increasing investment in our health service is essential to helping us live with the COVID-19 virus and get the NHS back on its feet.

However, even before the pandemic hit, diagnostics backlogs were growing longer, while demand for NHS tests was skyrocketing. We must now look forward and invest in the innovative technology that will prevent us from finding ourselves back in this position again.

What does ‘build back better’ mean for NHS diagnostics?

The news of the government’s investment in the NHS – the highest real-term capital budget for the health service since 2010 – is welcome. It was also promising to see the Prime Minister signalling his intent to partner with industry by investing in novel technologies to ‘build back better’ post-pandemic.

Diagnostics in particular has been under increasing pressure to ramp up testing in the wake of COVID-19. The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBS) estimates that in 2021, the demand and capability for molecular testing in UK pathology microbiology labs jumped from around 300,000 a year to 300,000 every single day. Unsurprisingly, diagnostic targets are now regularly missed, lab scientists are overstretched, and human error is increasing.

Read our interview with IBS CEO David Wells – Improving efficiencies in UK diagnostics: An expert’s view.

The investment that the government has committed to making in the NHS is a promising start, but ensuring it is funnelled into the right technology is critical. And, for diagnostics, no technology is more impactful than automation.

The impact of automation on diagnostics

Whilst the digitisation of diagnostics and the sharing of data is very necessary, more needs to be done to physically increase testing capacity and support exhausted scientists in pathology labs across the country. The NHS has already reaped the benefits of robotics in complex surgical procedures and is vastly expanding capacity within Trusts through IT automation. Now it’s time to bring these benefits to diagnostics.

Robotics and automation are now more efficient and cost-effective than ever before, and it is already successfully being used in the NHS. For example, HPV testing is now fully automated, reducing the number of staffed laboratories around the country from 46 to eight.

At Automata we are already working with a number of pathology labs to help them meet diagnostic challenges using automation. We do this by deploying our laboratory workflow automation system to pathology labs and covid testing facilities of all shapes and sizes that were constrained by their operating environment, whether due to space, time or manpower. Our ultimate goal is to transform patients’ lives and we believe that the automation of diagnostics can make a significant difference. Automating diagnostic processes can empower NHS labs to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to dramatically reduce the time patients are currently waiting to receive test results and begin their care journey.

If the Prime Minister and his government truly want to build the NHS back better, it is time for them to consider how robotic automation can be integrated into the healthcare system, particularly diagnostics. We cannot just settle for the status quo and we cannot use this valuable investment simply to get back to where we were. We need to actively improve the health system and future-proof it for any and all challenges.

Boris Johnson Linkedin — The PM on his recent visit to the CBI National Conference. Boris Johnson pictured with Automata's lab robot, Eva.

Diagnostics & Pathology

Nucleic acid testing for diagnostics

For labs that focus on diagnostics, discover specific use cases to show how you can automate and scale your testing capabilities.

View this solution

Tags

Healthcare diagnostics/PCR

Author

Lorraine Wenham

Lorraine is Content Manager here at Automata, responsible for keeping our copy tight, our TOV appropriate, and our content user-focused. She has 20 years experience in B2B marketing across a variety of topics including health, sustainability, L&D, R&D and tax.

Previous post Next post

Trending

CRISPR in agriculture: applications, benefits & risks

Common sources of error in biology lab experiments

The benefits of cloud-first lab automation platforms

12 July 2024

Cloud-first lab automation provides superior benefits to modern labs vs on-site solutions....

Five people seated on a stage on high stools with a tv screen behind them

Bio-automation inspiration from leading global innovators

20 June 2024

Discover what leading biotech innovators shared at our recent event, Advances in...

Stock image of DNA strands in a test tube.

Automation in cancer genome sequencing

10 June 2024

From diagnosis to treatment, new technologies are revolutionising scientists' approach to cancer...

SLAS Europe wrapped for another year

6 June 2024

SLAS Europe is wrapped for another year. It was great to see...

Scientist used a micro pipette in sample preparation in laboratory fume hood for bioassay of in vitro cells on a microplate, 96 well in the laboratory.

Common errors in manual ELISA assays and how automation can help

4 June 2024

Discover the frequent mistakes made during manual ELISA assays and how automation...

Should I purchase my lab equipment with OPEX or CAPEX budget?

24 May 2024

Flexibility is crucial for future-proofed automation solutions. Here are five reasons why

The future of genome editing in agriculture

10 May 2024

We look at the applications of genome-editing in agriculture, and the role...

Bench to bedside: what is translational research, and how can automation help?

10 May 2024

Learn how open integrated automation can transform translational research, helping labs to...

Automation in microbiology

7 May 2024

Learn how open, integrated automation can streamline microbiology lab processes, overcome challenges...

Tips for contract labs: sourcing future-proofed automation solutions

1 May 2024

Tips to help CROs and CDMOs when sourcing future-proofed automation solutions that...

Two scientists looking at a computer screen and tablet

Five reasons flexibility needs to be a standard feature of automation solutions

25 March 2024

Flexibility is crucial for future-proofed automation solutions. Here are five reasons why

Side-view of a woman scientist analyzing samples in a laboratory using a mass spectrometer.

Achieving high throughput proteomics with automation

16 March 2024

Discover how open integrated automation can transform proteomics sample preparation, helping labs...

A scientists looking at an imaginary holographic data board

Data and reproducibility: creating a single source of truth for your lab

5 March 2024

How can lab automation help ensure that the data we generate now...

A woman looking frustrated at a laptop holding her glasses

Tackling flexibility

5 March 2024

This blog explores why flexibility in lab automation is so difficult to...

2 female scientists looking at a screen and smiling

Balancing usability and functionality

5 March 2024

Why is lab automation so hard to use? And why does it...

A worried looking man in a lab coat and gloves

Making error handling better

5 March 2024

Discover how automation platforms like LINQ handle errors to improve trust and...

Laptop surrounded with various file and data icons

Dynamic replanning: a new way to schedule workflows and why it matters

8 February 2024

Intelligent experiment scheduling can make or break productivity in a lab and...

What are laboratory workflows?

16 January 2024

Learn how to simplify your workflows and boost your lab’s efficiency, for...

SLAS conference tips and Boston science tourism

13 December 2023

Automata's top tips for getting the most out of your #SLAS24 experience...

From robot arms to automation platforms: the future of lab tech

3 October 2023

Since the last time we talked, Automata and our customers have achieved...

Plant tissue culture: how automation can help

26 September 2023

We explore common problems in plus the advantages and disadvantages of plant...

CRISPR in agriculture: applications, benefits & risks

6 September 2023

Gene-editing technology such as CRISPR could be the future of agriculture. We...

Well plate with green and yellow reagent

Scaling up ELISA development with automation

6 September 2023

Find out how open, integrated automation can accelerate the ELISA development process...

Seeds in a petri dish during agrigenomics experimentation

Agrigenomics: the role of automation

6 September 2023

Genomics is transforming the future of agriculture. Learn how open, integrated automation...

Automata and The Francis Crick Institute seek molecular biologist for an exciting new project

7 August 2023

The Crick is now looking for a Senior Laboratory Scientist to work...

Preparing reagents: how automation can help

11 July 2023

Proper reagent preparation is key to experimental success. Find out how automated...

What are cloud labs in life science?

11 July 2023

Automated, remote-operated cloud laboratories allow researchers to run experiments 24/7. We look...

Automated cell culture incubation

11 July 2023

Discover how automated cell culture incubators can scale your cell biology workflows,...

How to automate your chemistry lab

11 July 2023

Discover how open, integrated automation can streamline common processes in clinical labs,...

ELISA assay validation: how automation can help

11 July 2023

Find out how open, integrated automation can accelerate the ELISA validation process...

What is open, integrated automation

12 June 2023

OIA is a design and development principle that promises to revolutionise the...

Scientist wearing PPC looking through a microscope in a life sciences lab

How to ensure lab reproducibility with automation

16 May 2023

Explore the value of reproducibility in the lab, and how automation can...

Five ways we redesigned the lab bench for automation

15 May 2023

How we reimagined the lab bench for automation.

Stock image of scientists working in a laboratory.

How to improve turnaround time in the lab

30 March 2023

Discover how lab turnaround time can be reduced through automation, without compromising...

Stock image of a lab, looking through a window.

Maintaining cell lines with automation

30 March 2023

Discover how automation can facilitate repetitive maintenance of cell line processes, enhancing...

3D rendering of human cells in a blue background.

Unlocking the potential of 3D cell cultures with automation

29 March 2023

Discover the advantages of automated liquid handling in cell culture, from reduced...

A stock image showing two scientists wearing PPC and working in a laboratory.

Unlocking the power of people in your lab

21 February 2023

By utilising the power of open, integrated automation solutions lab technicians can...

A stock image showing two women scientists in lab coats, looking at a screen

How to unlock the space in your lab

3 February 2023

By utilising the power of open, integrated automation solutions lab technicians can...

An out of focus stock image showing the lights from a laboratory

Unlock the potential of your science lab with automation

30 January 2023

Imagine what potential could look like for your science lab if you...

Challenges of working with genetically edited cells

23 November 2022

Sonia Jassi, Drug Discovery and Synthetic Biology Lead at Automata, examines how gene...

Improving NGS library prep with automation

16 November 2022

Discover how you can reduce time-intensive processes, improve data quality and optimise...

How to improve laboratory productivity

16 November 2022

Discover how you can supercharge your lab’s productivity, increase efficiency and save...

How to ensure quality control in a lab

16 November 2022

Learn how you can optimise common lab quality control processes through automation,...

What is lab 4.0?

16 November 2022

Lab 4.0 technologies allow laboratories to unlock their potential through digital transformation...

Benefits of automated liquid handling in cell culture

16 November 2022

Discover the advantages of automated liquid handling in cell culture, from reduced...

Becoming a smart lab: the three stages

7 October 2022

The steps for finding the lab automation solution that's the right fit...

Four methods for enhancing automation in your lab

3 October 2022

Automation is still widely underutilised in the lab space. Here are our...

Applying automation lessons from manufacturing in the lab

26 September 2022

How the lessons we learned from manufacturing automation can help supercharge your...

Industry insider: takeaways from SmartLabs UK 2022

14 September 2022

Integrating data from the offset and LEGO lab automation: Here’s what I...

The four biggest trends in lab automation this year

25 July 2022

Russell Green, Director of Product Growth at Automata outlines the four biggest...

3 key themes from Future Food-Tech Alternative Proteins Summit

15 July 2022

Find out what some of the biggest themes and challenges are within...

How to better utilise staff in cell culture labs

22 June 2022

Cell culture labs are labour intensive which can contribute to a poor...

Quick automation wins in mammalian cell culture

22 June 2022

Automating mammalian cell culture can improve the scale and quality of results...

SLAS Europe 2022: five key trends in lab automation

26 May 2022

Our round up of the latest innovations and trends in the lab...

Improving cell culture quality

10 May 2022

As cell cultures become more advanced, optimising culture quality is more important...

Scaling cell culture processes

20 April 2022

As demand for cell culture increases, labs are under pressure to scale...

Unlocking the potential of genomic sequencing

10 March 2022

Genomic sequencing will revolutionise healthcare over the next decade. We take a...

Common sources of error in biology lab experiments

4 March 2022

We look at what causes errors in biology lab experiments and how...

Human error in colony counting in a clonogenic assay

3 March 2022

Manual colony counting is repetitive and error-prone, but, with automation, it can...

How to reduce downtime in a drug discovery lab

23 February 2022

Downtime in drug discovery labs delay an already long and complex process....

How automated labs can improve information gathering

11 February 2022

With collating data never more important, automation offers a unique opportunity to...

Investigating lab automation in early drug discovery

4 February 2022

Rapidly developing breakthrough treatments at pace is critical. We investigate the benefits...

How automating labs can improve PCR testing capacity, accuracy and speed

11 January 2022

With the reliance on PCR testing set to continue, automation offers an...

How automation prevents human error in the laboratory

7 January 2022

Despite protections, human error in labs still leads to incorrect diagnostics and...

How to select the right lab automation partner

15 December 2021

Investing in lab automation in 2022? Here are the best practices for...

Omicron puts PCR testing back in the news. How can labs meet demand?

9 December 2021

With the new COVID-19 variant on the rise across the globe, PCR...

Seven steps for increasing efficiency in diagnostics

8 December 2021

Explore the many methods diagnostics labs can employ to improve efficiency in...

How to automate diagnostics processes

29 November 2021

ab automation in diagnostics can help labs scale testing, improve speed and...

What is laboratory workflow automation in diagnostic testing?

11 November 2021

Laboratory workflow automation links multiple lab automation technologies to automate entire diagnostic...

Benefits of lab automation - Diagnostic testing

The benefits of lab automation for diagnostic testing

2 November 2021

Lab automation technologies reduce the pressure on repetitive tasks, increase productivity and...

Ensuring quality in laboratory diagnostics

19 October 2021

Quality in lab diagnostics is critical. We explore methods of ensuring quality...

Is this the end of fit to fly COVID-19 PCR tests?

19 October 2021

The UK government’s U-turn on fit to fly PCR tests has brought...

Which lab processes can be automated today?

19 October 2021

Diagnostic automationkey for NHS to ‘build back better’

Government and industry have an opportunity to use diagnostic automation to revolutionise healthcare in the UK : it’s time to take it.

What does ‘build back better’ mean for NHS diagnostics?

The impact of automation on diagnostics

Diagnostic automation
key for NHS to
‘build back better’