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 Trust
- 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
Newsletters
Our 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.
Key documentation
Key Messages
The latest key messages briefing aims to keep stakeholders informed and up to date about the work of the diagnostics programme by regularly providing updates and inviting your comments and views. Download key messages below.
Diagnostics key messages
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 (out of hours)
Urology IR Pathway (out of hours)
Obstetrics IR Pathway (in and out of hours)
Inpatient other (incl. iatrogenic injury) IR Pathway (in and out of hours)
For more information please contact us at lsc.diagnosticimagingnetwork@nhs.net. If you would like any of the PDFs in an accessible format please contact us at healthierlsc.communications@nhs.net