Diagnostic Imaging Network
Diagnostic imaging is a vital healthcare service provided in hospitals and community settings. Using a variety of machines and techniques, health care professionals are able to examine otherwise unattainable areas of the body and its systems. It is integral to many patient pathways as it is often required to diagnose and treat conditions, supporting clinical decision-making, for the patient’s benefit. Since 2018 four Hospital Trusts in Lancashire and South Cumbria have come together to share knowledge, skills and assets with the aim of improving diagnostic service quality, reduce variation for patients and improve sustainability in the long-term.
The Lancashire and South Cumbria diagnostic imaging network is made up of the following Trusts:
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- University of Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Our Services
The services that form part of our network include:
- MRI
- CT
- Non-obstetric ultrasound
- Plain x-ray
- Radionuclide scans
- DEXA
Our work to date
Since inception the diagnostic imaging network for Lancashire and South Cumbria has already achieved:
- Standardised clinical pathways - improved patient outcomes in CT and MRI.
- Mutual aid between Trusts during COVID - reducing the backlog of diagnostic tests, shared CT scanner for Central Lancashire and Pennine Lancashire patients.
- Artificial intelligence for CT in stroke – quicker stroke detection leading to faster treatment, reduced mortality and disability.
- Lancashire and South Cumbria-wide training initiative funding secured through the Northwest Imaging Academy - which will increase training provision and workforce capacity.
- Additional CT scanners procured for Lancashire and South Cumbria: increased scanning capacity to reduce the backlog of diagnostic tests.
In December 2021 the Lancashire and South Cumbria diagnostic imaging network board was formally established. This board is currently engaging with key stakeholders to design the function of a managed clinical network and determine future work priorities to optimise the benefits for patients, staff and the wider health system in the long-term.
For more information please contact: lsc.diagnosticimagingnetwork@nhs.net
Our Vision
The diagnostic imaging network aims to achieve a high-quality, effective and accessible network of diagnostic imaging services throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria through:
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Efficiency
- Patient and staff focus
- Focus on quality
Our Achievements and Successes in 2023/24
The Lancashire and South Cumbria diagnostic imaging network was formally established in February 2022 – creating an agreed, shared vision with all four provider trusts - to deliver a high quality, effective and accessible network of diagnostic imaging services throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria for patient and colleague benefit.
Following a successful 2022/2023, the imaging network programme team and our four provider trusts have continued working closely together during 2023/24, to deliver collaborative projects, share best practice and provide support across organisations to problem-solve and deliver results.
The below infographic highlights just some of the key achievements and successes from the 2023/24 period.
What is outlined here has only been possible through collaboration, having shared goals and working closely with colleagues within all trusts across the network, along with wider teams and colleagues across the ICS. Our provider trust colleagues are contributing to this work in addition to meeting daily clinical or operational demands. We are extremely grateful to all colleagues for their continued hard work and the commitment shown to working together as a network as we all strive to continue improving our services for patients and staff.
Key Documentation
For more information please contact - lsc.diagnosticimagingnetwork@nhs.net. If you would like any of the PDFs in an accessible format please email lscicb.contact@nhs.net
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