OPINION Securing the future of digital pathology


The ongoing transformation of the pathology sector is driven by rising demand for faster and more accurate diagnosis, workforce pressures and policy reform. It is continually being reshaped by rapid advancements in technology, and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) promises next-level accuracy and efficiency. As pathology services across the UK transition into this new era, the need for scalable, collaborative platforms becomes paramount to secure how diagnostic services are delivered now and, in the future, to address these key challenges.


One of pathology’s biggest enigmas is the unprecedented surge in data generation. High-resolution digital images, multi-site collaboration, and AI-driven analysis all require high levels of storage capacity. Yet, clear guidance on long-term storage solutions and how to control AI remains unclear. This creates an urgent need to develop secure infrastructures capable of managing expanding datasets without compromising resilience or productivity. Undoubtedly, the advancement of pathology will hinge on enhanced collaboration across regional networks and national platforms.


The private journey for public purpose


Our vision is to deliver the most effective model of pathology for the Southwest peninsula, ensuring clinical pathways that are reliant on these services are as efficient and impactful as possible, delivering early diagnosis and timely patient care. We started our journey by analysing how we could bring together pathology services across our five sites in Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, which perform over 39 million tests per year. It was imperative that we shifted from fragmented local systems to a shared, cloud-based platform, that would enable data sharing across networks and centralise the storage environment to maximise the productivity of our laboratories. Working with Exponential-e - also the infrastructure provider for the National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (NPIC) - and supported by investment from NHS England, we implemented a secure private cloud solution to centrally host, connect and integrate data from all sites, enabling the network to streamline operations, enhance collaboration and lay the groundwork for future innovation to meet growing demands.


The viability of this approach means we can protect patient data through a controlled, secure environment across multiple platforms. Protecting sensitive patient information from cyber breaches is a top priority and cannot be an afterthought. It is our duty of care. By mitigating potential risks from the outset and creating a private cloud environment where you can centralise control and manage your own data offers business continuity and ongoing patient safety.


By transitioning to this type of unified digital infrastructure, the Peninsula Pathology Network is now creating a more resilient and scalable model for service provision. This will ensure long-term sustainability, enabling the network to meet the needs of patients and clinicians. Simplifying the process of obtaining second opinions, supporting specialist referrals and establishing a solid foundation to integrate AI tools to transform how pathology services are delivered.


The role of AI AI represents a transformative opportunity for pathology to become more productive. The potential it holds to assist in clinical settings, working alongside human pathologists, is immense, ranging from routine analysis to more complex diagnostic tasks. AI can help triage cases, highlight areas of interest on slides, and potentially screen out negatives – enabling pathologists to support early diagnosis of critical illness, with results delivered in a matter of hours rather than weeks.


However, to realise these


benefits, pathologists must engage with the AI enough for it to increase productivity, otherwise it will have a detrimental effect. For AI to be a success, it must be integrated seamlessly into workflows, not added as a burdensome extra step. Validation and verification are key. Once a use case is proved, then we must share our learnings with peers across networks, otherwise it will take decades to make these changes and AI tools will not deliver on their promise. If we are creating benefits, then sharing will create the same benefit for others in the same circumstance, quicker. With a faster diagnostic pathway, patients have more treatment options if diagnosed early enough and these gains save lives. As pathology departments begin this transformation, it is crucial to


WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM DECEMBER 2025 About David Gibbs


David Gibbs is currently Network Director for the Peninsula Pathology Network, where he leads on


strategic planning to transform how pathology services are delivered. David has worked in NHS pathology for 39 years. He joined the Peninsula team from North Bristol NHS Trust, where he was Director of Pathology at Southmead Hospital. David also served as Deputy Head of Pathology Transformation for England during the COVID-19 pandemic. http://peninsuladiagnostics.nhs.uk/


consider how AI can be integrated in a secure and effective manner, for it to truly add value.


Collaboration is the future We know NHS England is actively supporting the creation of multi-platform strategies to pool resources and expertise, but sustainable funding models will need to be a key consideration moving forward when transitioning from pilot funding to embedding digital pathology costs into core pathology service budgets. Furthermore, strong relationships between technology partners and being truly agnostic will be key to enable seamless interoperability. Through our experience, supported by a trusted partner in Exponential-e which has broad relationships across the market, we have laid a strong foundation. Our live, multi-site digital pathology service and active AI projects demonstrate what is possible. We believe that by sharing our lessons and collaborating more broadly, we can help accelerate the adoption of secure, efficient cloud platforms across the UK, ultimately improving patient outcomes while safeguarding data. The journey toward secure cloud- based pathology is complex but essential. As pathology providers, we must collectively embrace new models of data management, collaboration, and innovation. By doing so, we can ensure that pathology remains a cornerstone of effective healthcare delivery – secure, efficient, and ready for the challenges ahead.


David Gibbs Network Director, Peninsula Pathology Network 5


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