Fifteen NHS Trusts across the West Midlands are a significant step closer to leveraging diagnostic expertise on a scale never seen before in the health service, after the largest digital health initiative of its kind in Europe commenced a procurement process.
Formally known as the Converged Digital Imaging Platform, the initiative will create a single diagnostic imaging record for each NHS patient in the region – helping to ensure high-quality diagnoses for patients wherever they live.
Creating the conditions for earlier diagnosis and treatment for suspected cancers, heart conditions, traumatic injuries, and much more, the initiative has been described as a “once in a generation” opportunity.
It will level-up how patients access scans and region-wide diagnostic expertise, and will help radiology services as they respond to rising demand, and as they work to safely adopt new innovations like artificial intelligence at scale.
NHS imaging teams will be better empowered to collaborate and to share both workloads and specialist opinions across the region, through an ability to view and report on images from scans taken at any site.
A&E departments, stroke specialists, operating theatres, and a full range of frontline healthcare teams will also benefit from a complete imaging history at their fingertips, informing time-critical decisions.
The programme has now passed a pivotal moment after a decision was made at the network’s executive board to commence procurement and invite tenders.
Dr Simon Constable, chair of the West Midlands Imaging Network and chief executive at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, said: "NHS trusts in the West Midlands are embarking on the largest programme of its kind in the NHS – and with it, one of the largest opportunities to sustain and enhance a vital part of patient care.
“From the Black Country to Birmingham, from Shropshire to Stoke, and from Worcestershire to Warwickshire, this will empower trusts to harness diagnostic expertise on a scale like never before. By removing geographical barriers, we are creating the conditions to ensure that the best expertise is available for every patient, wherever they are.”
Dr James Heron, medical director for the West Midlands Imaging Network and consultant diagnostic and interventional radiologist at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “This is a landmark moment for one of the biggest opportunities in NHS diagnostic imaging in a generation. Diagnostic imaging is often less visible to the public, but it is central to safe and timely care. Much more than image sharing, this programme is our chance to change the picture on how we can make the most of diagnostic expertise for patients and healthcare professionals alike.”
The initiative is expected to save trusts significant amounts of money compared to individually managed contracts with technology suppliers currently in place. Once procurement is complete, trusts will deploy in a phased approach as existing individual agreements for radiology information systems and picture archiving and communication systems gradually come to a close.
Nisha Sungum, director for the West Midlands Imaging Network, said: "Whether it is providing reassurance to patients, or confirming a time-critical diagnosis that will help get people onto the right treatment pathway, the needs of patients and the professionals delivering care sit at the heart of this initiative. Whether it’s a stroke professional making an urgent decision, a surgeon planning for theatre, or a cancer specialist determining the right course of action, a complete imaging history has the potential to make a big difference when it matters most.”
The new platform is expected to help modernise how imaging services are delivered, and to break down barriers for patients and healthcare professionals alike, including promoting greater choice over-time on where and when patients have their scans.
Dr Marius Grima, clinical digital lead for the West Midlands Imaging Network and consultant paediatric radiologist at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, said: "This is an exciting milestone for the region. The Converged Digital Imaging Platform will not only transform how imaging is accessed and reported, but will also create the foundations for safe adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
“Delivering a single, interoperable imaging platform across 15 NHS trusts is one of the most complex digital undertakings attempted in the NHS, requiring the alignment of multiple legacy systems, integration of radiology information systems and picture archiving solutions, and a focus on interoperability standards.
“By overcoming this complexity, we will improve data quality, enhance clinical safety through standardised workflows, and enable true cross-site reporting. Seamless access to longitudinal imaging records will support precision diagnostics, optimise capacity planning, and ensure equitable access to subspecialist expertise. Most importantly, it will help deliver faster, safer diagnoses for patients across the West Midlands, wherever they receive care."
To find out more about the Converged Digital Imaging Platform, please visit https://wmidsimagingnetwork.nhs.uk/cdip/
