Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has launched a new self-referral service aimed at supporting the process of getting checked for bowel cancer.
The service utilises cancer detection specialist C the Signs technology, where patients can check their symptoms on the platform and use an online self-referral form if required. The referral form is said to take around 10 minutes to complete and can be completed online or over the phone.
Rosie Edgerley, cancer programme manager, commented: “Our data showed that there are younger people being diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer in Somerset, with the highest proportion being in the Bridgwater area. We also know that it can be embarrassing for people to talk about their pooing habits with a healthcare professional, which is why we are working with a company called C the Signs to develop an easily accessible online referral form which checks people’s eligibility and allows them to complete a FIT test, which if positive, will lead to further investigations.”
Innovation in diagnostics within healthcare
We recently reported on Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals’ partnership with Newcastle University and the North East Innovation Lab and how they successfully secured £2.56 million for innovations around the diagnosis and treatment of infection. This will focus on diagnosing STIs and UTIs through rapid and accurate DNA analysis using a portable device.
In October, we looked at some of the AI use cases in the NHS, which included seven trusts in the North East and their use of AI technology for early lung cancer detection and diagnosis. This tech was designed to help prioritise cases where an X-ray identifies indications of lung cancer, with reports showing an improvement in diagnostic accuracy and an increase in diagnostic efficiency.
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals recently shared how AI and imaging tools have been used to help reduce waiting times of X-rays. This tool was a way to improve and support cancer diagnosis and treatment within the trust, as well as enhancing the patient experience.
Earlier in the month, Somerset NHS FT published an AI Policy, focusing on the need for safe integration, and an approach balancing innovation with ethical and legal responsibilities. Read more here.
