Launch of the HSE Outline Strategic Plan for Laboratory Services 2026-2035

The HSE has launched the “Outline Strategic Plan for Laboratory Services 2026-2035”. This is the first HSE strategic plan for laboratory services, which aims to transform laboratory services over the next ten years. The strategic plan was developed through extensive consultation with all stakeholders, including laboratory scientists, clinicians, the Department of Health, public bodies, patient and service user partners, professional bodies, staff representative bodies and international colleagues.

Professor Martin Cormican, Clinical Lead, HSE Laboratory Services Reform Programme and chair of the strategy group said:

“The teams in the HSE Clinical, Public Analyst, Public Health and Reference Laboratories provide a critical but often invisible health service. This plan was built on their expertise and commitment, and the ambition of those teams to provide a better service now and in the future. It was made possible by the support of the HSE leadership and endorsed by the Board of the HSE. The plan sets out how the investment to make this plan a reality will pay dividends to patients and to the public in terms of a quality service and value for money.”

Laboratory Services are an integral function of healthcare, supporting patients and public access to diagnosis, screening, monitoring and surveillance of disease. They are also important in protecting health through the provision of Reference Laboratory Services and the analysis of food, water, medicines and other products. 

The achievements of the Laboratory Services in the health sector in Ireland to date are impressive. They have grown in size and sophistication, and have implemented quality systems with accreditation to International Standards by the Irish National Accreditation Board.

The importance of laboratory teams and services that are expert, agile and resilient was never more apparent than in the response to the cyberattack and the COVID-19 pandemic. This strategy outlines a road map for a cohesive laboratory infrastructure to meet the healthcare needs of the whole population.

Core to the delivery of Laboratory Services, and this strategy, is a skilled agile multidisciplinary laboratory workforce with the ability to respond to new developments, technology and the ever-changing public health challenges. This plan outlines opportunities for laboratory staff to expand their skills and competencies, while new technologies, platforms and information systems will improve health and patient care and improve efficiency and sustainability.

Dr Colm Henry, HSE Chief Clinical Officer said:

“This plan sets out an ambitious ten-year road map, 2026-2035, for HSE laboratory services. Its implementation promises improved services to patients and the public and will make HSE Laboratories a more fulfilling workplace. I want to sincerely thank all those who have developed and sustained the HSE laboratory services, which are the foundation for the implementation of this plan and all of those who have contributed to the development of the plan.”