NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has shared some of the key benefits of using their imaging dashboard, CAMDASH, including a reduction in waiting lists for radiology and improved efficiency.
According to the ICB, “15,000 fewer people have waited more than six weeks for radiology diagnostics such as ultrasounds and MRIs” since the introduction of the dashboard back in March 2024. They’ve also highlighted the ability to spot data issues early, to support individual trusts to “act quickly, protect patients, and reduce inequalities in access to care”.
CAMDASH is being used in radiology departments across 11 NHS trusts within the region, collecting and linking operational and performance data around waiting times, capacity, referrals, did-not-attend rates and more. This reportedly provides a central view for each trust, making it easier to identify trends and patterns that allow clinicians to “take proactive action to improve patient access and experience”.
Speaking on the benefits of using this platform, Dr Nik Barnes, clinical lead for business intelligence, digital & procurement at Cheshire and Merseyside Radiology Imaging Network, explained: “CAMDASH has demonstrated the benefits of organising your regional data in such a way that when new questions arise the data can be very quickly analysed and presented in a useful way. CAMDASH has empowered the C&M Diagnostic Programme to make data driven decisions that enhance efficiency, optimise resources and improve overall performance and utilisation rates.”
Plans are already in place to extend the use of CAMDASH, with the ICB sharing details of its vision to add data from pathology, pharmacy and genomics and develop a fully “holistic platform”.
Digital transformation projects from the Cheshire and Merseyside region
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside recently reported that the majority of hospitals across the region are now using the NHS App, allowing patients to book and manage appointments through the digital platform. “Almost four million patients aged 13+ in the North West have already registered for the NHS App (as of March 2025), with around seven million patient log-ins each month and 53,000 appointments being managed on the app monthly,” the ICB stated.
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership’s latest green plan, highlighted in the trust’s July board meeting, focused on digital progress and upcoming priorities, including cyber security, digital inclusion, virtual pathways and cloud. Progress to date has included a contract with Restore Technology around waste from electrical and electronic equipment, where the trust receives recompense for every item disposed of at the end of the financial year. A departmental workshop, established in 2024, also offers an internal “sustainable solution” for repairing IT equipment, aiming to reduce costs associated with procuring new equipment and reliance on external contractors, the trust notes.
