In this section
by Geoff Daniels
Informatics Systems Manager
September 2025
The landscape of primary care services is continually evolving, with digital transformation at its core. One of the most significant forthcoming changes is the planned move to a single instance of ICE, the electronic system used for requesting bloods and phlebotomy. This process will involve change for GPs in the South Manchester sector as they move on to the same processes for requesting bloods and phlebotomy processes as has been used by North, Central and Trafford GPs for several years.
Historically, variations in requesting processes have led to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in service delivery for blood collection. Multiple configurations of the ICE system have resulted in fragmented workflows, creating challenges for clinicians, lab staff and estates colleagues responsible for managing sample collection logistics. The vision for a single, unified instance of ICE represents a strategic move towards standardisation, supporting a more streamlined, effective approach to blood collections.
Anticipated go-live date
The transition to the new system is projected to go live across GP surgeries in South Manchester during October 2025. This timeline allows for robust planning, training, and engagement, ensuring that disruption to practices and patients is minimised and that all stakeholders are fully prepared for the change.
Key benefits of the single instance
- Unified request process: by introducing a single, paperless, standardised process for requesting bloods and phlebotomy across South Manchester GPs, there will be a consistent, reliable workflow regardless of practice location. This will reduce variability and the potential for errors.
- Simplified training and support: with all practices operating on the same system, training materials and support mechanisms can be unified. This will make it easier for new staff to get up to speed and provide a clear pathway for troubleshooting and ongoing education.
- Enhanced data quality and governance: standardisation will allow for improved data capture, audit, and reporting. This will support quality improvement initiatives and enabling better monitoring of trends.
Enabling future reconfiguration of sample collection routes
The adoption of a single instance of ICE is more than a technical upgrade; it is a strategic enabler for broader service reconfiguration. By harmonising the requesting process, we open the door to optimising sample collection routes across Manchester and Trafford. There will not be any immediate transport changes implemented from October, but adoption of a single system supports possible future reconfigurations. A survey is currently active aiming to gather GP insight into current service provision. If areas are identified that can be improved within current resources we hope to make service changes which could enable:
- Improved allocation to a testing laboratory: the new system will allow GP practice blood collections to be directed to the most appropriate laboratory, based on factors such as workload, proximity, and service capacity. This flexibility ensures that samples reach the best available laboratory for timely and accurate processing.
- Efficient estates management: the estates team will be able to review and redesign current GP sample transport routes, leveraging data from the single-instance system to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. This will underpin the development of the most efficient and cost-effective collection processes.
- Responsiveness to service demands: the ability to reroute samples quickly in response to changes in demand or laboratory availability is a significant advantage, supporting resilience and continuous service delivery.
Impact on GP practices
GPs across the South Manchester area should anticipate a period of transition as the new system is rolled out. Key impacts will include:
- Process changes: the workflow for requesting bloods and phlebotomy will be standardised. Practices may need to update local protocols and ensure staff are familiar with the new process.
- Training and support: a guide will be issued in advance of go-live. Support teams will be available to guide practices through the transition, answer questions, and resolve issues.
- Replace sample labels: South GPs will need to ensure they have labels 40 x 31ml in size, using high tac adhesive that is resilient when samples are frozen.
The move to a single instance of ICE is a foundational change, promising to deliver lasting benefits to GPs, estates colleagues, laboratories, and ultimately, patients. Standardisation of blood request and phlebotomy processes will drive efficiency, enable service reconfiguration, and support continuous improvement across Manchester and Trafford.
With the anticipated go-live for South GPs in October 2025, this is an opportune moment for practices to prepare, engage, and contribute to shaping the future of primary care pathology services. Further updates will be distributed as the project progresses, ensuring all stakeholders informed and supported throughout the transition.
Further information
Please watch for future communications regarding support resources, and opportunities for engagement. For any immediate questions, practices are encouraged to contact the Pathology IT team via labs.sd@mft.nhs.uk