Cancer Genomic Improvement Programme (CGIP)

Actions will be taken within each region to improve turnaround times across the end-to-end pathway (from sample acquisition, through cell pathology / haematology, CPGCs and the genomic laboratory, to issue of the report for the treating clinician), with the ultimate aim of delivering the approved turnaround times.

It is expected that actions will be taken within each region to improve the turnaround times across the end-to-end pathway (from sample acquisition, through cell pathology / SIHMDS, Cellular Pathology Genomics Centres (CPGCs), and the genomic laboratory, to issue of the report for the treating clinician), with the ultimate aim of delivering the nationally approved end-to-end turnaround times.

The Cancer Genomics Improvement Programme is a critical initiative mandated by NHSE to reduce turnaround times for cancer diagnostics and treatment in our region. Meeting these new targets is essential for improving patient outcomes and ensuring compliance with national standards. The support of regional Executive teams is crucial for the successful implementation and coordination of this program across multiple departments and stakeholders.

Aims and objectives

• Agreement of ambitious regional Action Plans, with associated estimated impact on end-to-end turnaround times. Timely delivery of regional Action Plans.
• Sharing and adoption of regional / local innovations with other regions.
• Baseline of end-to-end turnaround times and monthly monitoring of turnaround times to measure improvement.
• Agreement of tumour-site specific innovations, and regional adoption of innovations.

How we will achieve this

• Understanding the delays within existing sample pathways – tackle logistical issues, informatics etc.
• Embedding of CPGCs.
• Introduction to new pathways e.g. parallel cell pathology and genomic testing- samples sent direct to CPGCs for preanalytical, processing.
• Improvement in genomic analysis processes – preanalytical, analytical and reporting.
• Introduction of innovations and network-sharing of best practice solutions.
• Build upon growing evidence to support innovations that improve turnaround times.

Progress and next steps

• We have submitted a draft regional action plan to NHS England for approval, and will update further once we receive feedback. This Action Plan covers the entire end-to-end pathway focussing on those areas where there are significant delays. It is anticipated that regions may choose to tackle specific tumour types, or the pathways of selected Trusts, and then roll-out innovations across the region.
• Our immediate priority is to appoint a regional quality improvement/management board, which will agree a regional Action Plan with NHSE, including identifying existing programmes and establishing new audits to identify potential barriers and priorities.

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