Genomic laboratories target operating model: FOI release

Information requested

• A copy of TOM [Target Operating Model] Options for the delivery of genomic laboratory services in Scotland considered by the SSNGM earlier this year.
• Details on which TOM has been agreed in theory and any short- medium- and long-term milestones and timeframes that have been agreed.

Response

• A copy of TOM [Target Operating Model] Options for the delivery of genomic laboratory services in Scotland considered by the SSNGM earlier this year.

I can confirm that NHS National Services Division (NSD) proposed developing a Target Operating Model (TOM) to drive work on the delivery options for genomic laboratory services in Scotland, as part of a wider two-year laboratory transformation programme. This approach was ratified by the Scottish Strategic Network for Genomic Medicine (SSNGM) Oversight Board in August 2024. The possible options set out at this meeting in August 2024 were described as:

1. Keeping existing footprint with laboratories at four locations with elements of duplication at each lab and management, operations and reporting under four management structures.

2. Reduce footprint based on agreed criteria and business case.

3. Further reduce footprint to reshape focusing on service, performance and cost.

4. Consolidate existing laboratories to one ‘super lab’.

The Oversight Board endorsed adopting a TOM approach to fully explore and develop these options. A further high-level overview of the TOM was provided to the Oversight Board in November 2024 (TOM Outline presentation slides – 20 November 2024 provided in full as part of this release).

Updates on data collection and timelines were presented to the SSNGM Steering Group on 27th February and 12th June, and to the SSNGM Oversight Board on 14th January, 16th May and 15th July. Extracted updates, considered within scope of this request, on the TOM presented to these groups are provided for information in Appendix 1. The SSNGM and the Director of NSD met with NHS Board Executive leads on 3rd July to set out the need for change, the TOM process and to reiterate the three alternative models under consideration as part of the TOM. The extracted update is also provided for information in Appendix 1.

TOM options, however, have yet to be formally submitted to Scottish Government or presented at the SSNGM Steering Group or Oversight Board for consideration, both of which are attended by Scottish Government officials.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested as TOM options have yet to be presented for consideration, discussion or decision. However, you may wish to contact NHS NSD who may be able to help you further.

Therefore, under section 17(1) of FOISA, I am required to notify you that this information is not held by the Scottish Government.

• Details on which TOM has been agreed in theory and any short- medium- and long-term milestones and timeframes that have been agreed.

At the SSNGM Oversight Board on 25th January the National Services Scotland (NSS) Programme Management Services (PgMS) team set out a timeline with a plan to present TOM options at the next meeting scheduled for April. This meeting was rescheduled to 22nd May ‘due to complex stakeholder engagement significantly impacting progress from November to March’.

At the following SSNGM Oversight Board meeting on 15th July the PgMS committed to providing a report on TOM work todate by the end of July 2025 with recommendations against the high-level TOM from November 2024. The agreement was that a task and finish group would then be established in August 2025 with the remit to review options and make clear recommendations for the future genomics laboratory delivery model by the end of January 2026. The action note from the Oversight Board on 15th July is provided in Appendix 1.

As above, no TOM options have been submitted for consideration to the SSNGM Oversight Board or Steering Committee in 2025. The expectation is that the NHS NSD two-year laboratory transformation programme, of which the TOM forms part, is due to complete by February 2026.

Thank you for taking the time make this request.

About FOI

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FOI 202500477009 - Information Released - Annex

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