Pathology services in three North West London Trusts have joined forces to create a modern and more efficient service in a move which could save the NHS nearly £100 million.

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust and The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have agreed to consolidate their pathology services.

It is hoped the merger will improve value for money and make use of new technologies, while also better managing demand and standardising operations.

The NWL Pathology service will start on April 1 2017 and will see the majority of of routine, specialist and non-urgent activity will be delivered at Charing Cross Hospital .

Pathology required urgently for the immediate treatment of patients will be performed in 24/7 essential service laboratories based at the other hospital sites in the group.

It is expected the partnership will manage 25 million tests per year.

Stephen Snewin managing director of NWL Pathology, said: “This partnership aims to provide a modern, innovative and sustainable pathology service which delivers outstanding quality for clinicians and patients.

"It will also give us an opportunity to drive more transformative research and innovation, as well as supporting training for medical and scientific staff.”

The hospitals included in the partnership are Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust which comprises St Mary’s Hospital, Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith Hospital, Queen Charlotte and Chelsea Hospital and the Western Eye Hospital; Chelsea & Westminster Hospital Foundation Trust which comprises Chelsea & Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital; and, Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which comprises Hillingdon Hospital and Mount Vernon Hospital.

The NWL Pathology service is expected to deliver net benefits of £96 million over 10 years which will be reinvested by the NHS.