UK digital pathology network expands to support future AI diagnostics

The UK’s national digital pathology network has expanded to 15 NHS sites following the successful integration of University College London Hospitals’ National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN). The development strengthens a nationwide platform designed to improve collaboration between pathology teams, accelerate diagnosis and support the future adoption of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Led by the National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (NPIC), based at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the platform connects NHS organisations through secure digital infrastructure that enables pathologists to access and analyse high-resolution digital slides remotely. By moving beyond traditional glass slide workflows, the system supports faster reviews, easier access to specialist expertise and improved diagnostic collaboration across sites.

The latest implementation at NHNN, the UK’s largest dedicated neurological and neurosurgical hospital, provides pathology teams with access to advanced digital pathology capabilities. The phased rollout included scanner installation, system integration, validation and staff training, allowing digital workflows to become part of routine practice.

The national platform combines Exponential-e’s sovereign cloud infrastructure with Sectra’s digital pathology technology to provide secure storage, image sharing and access to pathology data across participating NHS organisations. The system is designed to support both current diagnostic services and the development of AI-based tools for future applications.

Digital pathology offers several advantages over traditional approaches, including reducing the need to transport physical slides, enabling faster access to second opinions and allowing specialists to collaborate across different locations. The ability to securely share large volumes of pathology images also provides a foundation for evaluating artificial intelligence technologies that could assist future diagnostic workflows.

“Our continued expansion evidences our commitment to building a national digital pathology ecosystem across the UK,” said Usman Arif, Programme Head at NPIC. “Our partner NHS trusts not only benefit from a secure, scalable infrastructure that will enable AI integration into routine diagnostic workflows, but they also receive long-term, embedded support ensuring that digital transformation translates into sustainable clinical and operational impact for the benefit of patients.”

The network is expected to expand further, with additional NHS sites preparing to join in the coming months. Alongside increasing digital adoption, NPIC and its technology partners are continuing to develop capabilities that could support AI-driven analysis, particularly in areas such as cancer diagnosis and other complex diseases.

The expansion marks another step towards a more connected pathology service, where digital technologies can help improve efficiency, increase access to specialist knowledge and support more timely patient care.

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