Peninsula Pathology Network implements cloud environment

Peninsula Pathology Network has partnered with UK cloud, connectivity, communications and cyber security provider, Exponential-e to implement a secure private cloud environment.

The network, which brings together pathology services at five sites in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, agreed a four-year contract with the provider in February 2024 and went live with the secure private cloud in February 2025.

Exponential-e’s secure private cloud solution will connect and integrate data from the five sites, with the aim of streamlining collaboration and innovation across the network.

David Gibbs, pathology network director at Peninsula Pathology Network, said: “Our vision is to deliver the most effective model of pathology for the South West Peninsula, ensuring clinical pathways that are reliant on these services are as efficient and impactful as possible.

“Centralising our storage environment enables us to maximise resources and focus them where they are needed most, as well as allowing us to enhance the productivity of our laboratories.”

By transitioning to a unified digital infrastructure, the Peninsula Pathology Network intends to create a more sustainable model for service provision, ensuring long-term sustainability and enabling the network to meet the evolving needs of patients and clinicians.

With more than 39 million tests carried out across the five sites each year, the enhanced infrastructure is intended to simplify the process of obtaining second opinions, support specialist referrals and ensure robust business continuity.

It will also help establish a solid foundation for the integration of AI, which has the potential to transform how pathology services are delivered.

The collaboration is part of Peninsula’s digital pathology programme, which is supported by funding from NHS England’s Digital Diagnostics Capabilities Programme.

Exponential-e was selected for its expertise in managing cyber security challenges and its experience as the infrastructure provider for the National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (NPIC).

Afshin Attari, senior director of public sector and unified platforms at Exponential-e, said: “We’re proud to support the Peninsula Pathology Network in its digital pathology journey.

“By centrally hosting data from the multiple sites, we’re enabling the network to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and lay the groundwork for future innovations in pathology.”

Meanwhile, the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT) , a collaborative of six NHS trusts, went live in April 2024 with “digitised pathology departments” underpinned by the NPIC.

Described by Leeds Teaching Hospitals as “one of the largest IT projects the NHS has embarked upon in over 20 years,” the service allows WYAAT member trusts to access NPIC’s digital pathology system, which enables clinicians to scan slides in ultra-high definition and access instant sharing across the network.