Across NHS and Trust settings, systems like PACS and LIMS play a critical role in diagnostics, clinical decision-making and patient safety. They sit at the heart of imaging and pathology services and rely on highly specialised people to keep them running effectively.
Below is a practical overview of what each system does, and the types of roles typically associated with them.
What is PACS?
PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is the digital platform used to store, manage and share medical images. This includes X-rays, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and cardiology imaging.
In NHS environments, PACS replaces traditional film and enables clinicians to securely access images alongside patient records, often across multiple sites. PACS usually integrates closely with RIS and EPR systems and supports modern, multi-disciplinary models of care.
PACS roles within NHS and Trust settings
PACS requires a blend of clinical insight, technical expertise and operational leadership. Common roles include:
Clinical-facing roles
- Consultant Radiologists
- Radiographers
- Cardiology and specialist imaging clinicians
- Clinical PACS Leads
Operational and leadership roles
- PACS Manager / PACS Lead
- Imaging Informatics Manager
- Imaging Systems Manager
Technical and digital roles
- PACS Administrator
- PACS Analyst
- Clinical Systems Analyst
- Integration Specialists (DICOM / HL7)
- Infrastructure, storage and cloud engineers
- Information governance and cyber security specialists
Project and transformation roles
- PACS Project Managers
- Business Change and Training Leads
- Vendor-side and specialist PACS Consultants
PACS professionals are often in short supply due to the need for both NHS imaging workflow knowledge and strong technical capability.
What is LIMS?
LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is the core digital system that supports pathology and laboratory services. It manages the full lifecycle of a sample, from test request through to result reporting.
LIMS underpins disciplines including haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, histopathology and molecular diagnostics. It is essential for maintaining accuracy, traceability, quality control and regulatory compliance.
With the growth of pathology networks and service consolidation, LIMS has become increasingly strategic across NHS organisations.
LIMS roles within NHS and Trust settings
LIMS teams typically bring together scientific, technical and operational expertise:
Clinical and scientific roles
- Consultant Pathologists
- Clinical Scientists
- Biomedical Scientists
- Clinical LIMS Leads
Operational and management roles
- LIMS Manager / LIMS Lead
- Pathology Informatics Manager
- Laboratory Operations Manager
Technical and IT roles
- LIMS Administrator
- LIMS Analyst
- Middleware Specialists
- Integration Specialists (HL7)
- Data and reporting analysts
- Infrastructure and hosting specialists
Project and change roles
- LIMS Project Managers
- Validation and Quality Leads
- Business Change and Training Leads
- Supplier-side LIMS Consultants
Experience across pathology networks, UKAS accreditation and multi-site LIMS implementations is particularly valued and increasingly difficult to source.
How IT Works Health Recruitment supports PACS and LIMS teams
We work extensively across imaging, pathology and digital diagnostics. We understand that PACS and LIMS roles are highly specialised and often sit at the intersection of clinical services and IT.
From permanent leadership roles through to contract project specialists, our team support NHS Trusts, pathology networks and suppliers with access to professionals who bring both technical expertise and real-world NHS experience.
“PACS and LIMS professionals are some of the hardest roles to recruit well. They require deep system knowledge, an understanding of clinical workflows and the ability to operate in complex NHS environments.
We work closely with Trusts to understand not just the system, but the service, the pressures and the outcomes required. That insight, combined with our established talent networks, allows us to connect organisations with people who can genuinely make a difference.”
If you would like to discuss current or upcoming PACS or LIMS requirements, or simply want a market view on skills availability, we are always happy to have an open conversation.
