UK digital pathology network expands to support future AI diagnostics. 27 Jul, 2026 Gwyneth Astles 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. More information online

Exponential-e secures WAN contract for Lincolnshire County Council in England. Monday, Jun 15th, 2026 (4:18 pm) - Score 40 Business communications and broadband provider Exponential-e has been awarded a 5-year Wide Area Network (WAN) Services contract by Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) in England. The deal will see the ISP deliver and manage a modernised Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) across more than 200 sites throughout the county. Procured under the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Network Services 3 Framework, Exponential-e will be tasked with replacing the LCC's existing and "outdated" Public Services Network (PSN) infrastructure with a fully managed Cisco SD-WAN. The new platform should provide a unified, centrally orchestrated, secure and high-performing network environment with improved resilience and secure integration with cloud-based services. The new platform will also support Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) services, including Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue with encrypted integration and centralised HSCN access. The solution will integrate with the Council's operational and security platforms, incorporating secure-by-design principles, centralised monitoring, incident-response systems, automated failover capabilities, dynamic routing and flexible network segmentation to support a zero-trust security approach and fast onboarding of new sites. Tom Baker, CIO at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "Our vision is to build a technological ecosystem that not only supports our ongoing operational needs but meets the expectations of our citizens in digital delivery as a time of Local Government change. As an expert with technical ability and proven public sector expertise, Exponential-e will be critical in improving our ability to manage ongoing and accelerated change." Afshin Attari, Director of Public Sector and Unified Platforms at Exponential-e, said: "Ispreview is proud to partner with Lincolnshire County Council to deliver a modern, resilient and secure network infrastructure that supports the delivery of critical public services across the county. By implementing a centrally managed SD-WAN architecture, the Council will benefit from greater agility, enhanced security and improved operational resilience, while creating a scalable, sovereign platform capable of supporting future innovation and evolving digital service requirements." The contract was signed in March 2026 and will run until March 2031. Implementation has already begun, with service go-live dates due to be confirmed in the near future as part of a phased-deployment.