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:

  • Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustMRI scanner
  • East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
  • University of Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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

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

Achievements and successes 2022/2023

When the Lancashire and South Cumbria Diagnostic Imaging Network was formally established in February 2022, all four Provider Trusts agreed on a shared vision: to deliver a high quality, effective and accessible network of diagnostic imaging services throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria for patient and staff benefit. 

The below infographic highlights just some of the key achievements and successes from the first year of the Network’s establishment. This is on top of the outstanding work that colleagues are delivering to provide high quality services and care for our patients, on a day-to-day basis, despite the many pressures and challenges.

What is outlined here has only been possible through collaboration; having shared aspirations and working closely with colleagues within all trusts across the Network along with wider teams and colleagues across the ICS. 

DIN achievements and successes.PNG
 

Newsletters

These newsletters aim to keep staff and stakeholders informed and up to date on the work of the Lancashire and South Cumbria (LSC) Diagnostic Imaging Network and other related updates.

 

Pathways

Although these pages are public, the pathway information below is for NHS staff and therefore the language may appear confusing to those who do not work in this area.

Vascular IR Pathway (in-hours)

Vascular IR Pathway (out of hours)

Trauma IR Pathway (in-hours)

Trauma IR Pathway (out of hours)

Urology IR Pathway (in-hours)

Urology IR Pathway (out of hours)

Obstetrics IR Pathway (in and out of hours)

GI Bleed IR Pathway

Inpatient other (incl. iatrogenic injury) IR Pathway (in and out of hours)

MRI Pathway (Out of Hours)

 

For more information please contact - lsc.diagnosticimagingnetwork@nhs.net.  If you would like any of the PDFs in an accessible format please contact email healthierlsc.communications@nhs.net

Accessibility tools

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