AXREM, the UK trade association representing suppliers of diagnostic medical imaging, Radiotherapy, Healthcare IT, AI, and care equipment, today launches its landmark Digital Pathology Manifesto, setting out a bold vision to further support the transformation of Histopathology services across the NHS through digital innovation.
The manifesto will be formally unveiled this morning at a parliamentary event in Westminster, kindly sponsored by Conservative MP Jack Rankin, bringing together parliamentarians, clinicians, industry leaders, and policymakers to accelerate progress in digital diagnostics.
Driving a New Era of Diagnostic Excellence
Digital Pathology is a pivotal technology in modern healthcare, redefining diagnostic workflows, enhancing clinical decision‑making, and improving patient outcomes. AXREM members who supply the essential infrastructure behind Digital Pathology, from whole‑slide imaging systems to AI‑powered analysis platforms are already supporting hospitals across the UK to adopt these transformative tools.
Despite clear evidence of improved diagnostic accuracy, faster turnaround times, and greater workflow efficiency, adoption across the NHS remains inconsistent. As of 2024, fewer than half of NHS Pathology networks had reached a “maturing” or advanced stage of Digital Pathology capability, highlighting a significant gap between national ambitions and real‑world implementation.
A Call for Investment, Standards, and Collaboration
The manifesto outlines the key barriers to progress, including limited digital infrastructure, lack of interoperability standards, high implementation costs, and insufficient training pathways for Pathologists and laboratory teams.
To address these challenges, AXREM calls for:
- Targeted investment in digital infrastructure and secure cloud‑based platforms.
- Clear national standards for interoperability and data sharing.
- Enhanced education and professional development to support the workforce.
- Stronger collaboration between suppliers, clinicians, and policymakers.
- Robust cyber security requirements, including DSPT compliance and Multi‑Factor Authentication.
These measures are essential to ensure equitable, high‑quality diagnostics for all NHS patients and to future proof further emerging Digital Pathology developments in support of clinical pathways.
AXREM Digital Pathology Convenor, Kayleigh Patterson who is Product & Release Manager, Digital Pathology UK, Fujifilm Healthcare UK said upon the release of the manifesto “For Digital Pathology to deliver further patient benefits, the AXREM Call for Action addresses the challenges that many adoptive Trusts continue to face. Supporting both existing and new implementations, greater standardisation and interoperability are essential to fully optimise the potential of this technology.’’
Digital Pathology: The Foundation for AI and Personalised Medicine
As the NHS 10‑Year Plan places genomics at the centre of personalised care, Digital Pathology becomes a critical enabler. High‑resolution digital slides provide the bridge between morphology and molecular data, allowing clinicians to interpret genomic findings in their full clinical context. When combined with imaging and laboratory data, Digital Pathology creates a powerful platform for AI‑driven diagnostics, predictive analytics, and research into cancer and rare diseases.
AXREM’s Commitment to Sector Leadership
AXREM is committed to championing the transformation of Histopathology services by promoting best practice, supporting innovation, and advocating for the policy reforms needed to modernise diagnostic services at scale.
Sally Edgington, CEO of AXREM, said: “Digital Pathology is no longer an emerging technology, it is an essential component of a modern, resilient, and patient‑centred diagnostic service. Our manifesto sets out a clear and achievable roadmap for national adoption, and we are proud to launch it in Parliament today with the support of Jack Rankin MP. By working together, we can ensure the NHS becomes a global leader in digital diagnostics.”
Access the Digital Pathology Manifesto here
