United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust has reported a reduction in lung cancer waiting times, thanks to a new pathway introduced.
A service to support people with suspected lung cancer, designed in line with the National Optimal Lung Cancer Pathway, has been rolled-out at Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, following a successful pilot over the past 12 months.
The ‘Faster Respiratory Diagnostic test referral (FReD)’ has helped speed up and cut down treatment times for lung cancer patients, the trust has said.
As part of the service, patients now receive the results of their chest X-rays within 24-hours, with a referral for a CT scan also coming within 48 hours if necessary. Previously, patients referred for chest X-rays from their GPs, would typically have to wait two to three weeks for the results or to be referred for further tests.
Chris Mills, cancer improvement manager, United Lincolnshire Hospital NHS Trust, said: “FReD helps us to get early diagnosis so we have as much time as possible to treat our patients. Results from all our chest X-rays can now be received within about 24 hours.
“If cancer is suspected then additional tests and an outpatient appointment will be booked – saving weeks of waiting to get treatment.
“All of this has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic and would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of everyone in the radiology teams. Particularly the admin staff – who often go unrecognised but are crucial in making sure our patients get seen and treated on time.”
Paul Clark, radiology operational manager, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “This work is the culmination of multiagency cooperation from radiology, respiratory medicine and Clinical Commissioning Group colleagues.
“It will benefit so many patients in Lincolnshire, allowing rapid diagnosis of lung cancer. When we first imagined this cancer treatment pathway we could not envisage being able to make such a substantial change so quickly.
“It really shows the importance and capability of radiographers in advancing roles alongside our medical colleagues.”
