GPs across Greater Manchester are set to be given access to order more imaging tests for patients directly. The new initiative known as GP Direct Access will allow GPs to order CT scans of the chest, stomach and hip areas of the body and MRI scans of the brain, in addition to the x-rays and ultrasounds they can already order.
The scheme will allow GPs to order the checks directly, helping to cut down wait times for patients and reducing the need for a specialist consultation first which will free up already stretched hospital staff.
Led by the Greater Manchester Imaging Network, this new initiative is being delivered in partnership with xWave Technologies, who are supplying a Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tool known as iRefer to three Trusts in Greater Manchester: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and Wigan, Wrightington and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust. The CDS tool provides guidance to GPs in ordering the most appropriate scan for patients and seamlessly integrates with the Royal College of Radiologists’ iRefer guidelines. Additionally, the software will save administration time for those staff currently manually processing orders via email/paper systems.
The technology is set to be rolled out across Greater Manchester throughout 2025 and 2026.
Catherine Walsh, Associate Director of the Greater Manchester Imaging Network, said,
“We are delighted to be introducing this innovative technology across three of our NHS Trusts. These tools will not only improve outcomes for patients by ensuring they get the right scan at the right time, but they will also support our hardworking GPs and radiology teams by streamlining workflows and optimising use of limited resources.”
Mitchell O’Gorman, CEO of xWave Technologies, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to work with such forward-thinking Trusts to deliver clinical decision support at scale. At a time when radiology waiting lists are growing and workforce shortages are intensifying, tools like ours can help Trusts deliver faster, smarter, and more equitable access to diagnostic imaging.”
He added “The rollout of xWave’s platform comes as NHS England is making additional funding available for NHS Trusts that have not yet adopted clinical decision support solutions. This funding is intended to support broader adoption of CDS technologies, such as xWave CDS, to reduce unnecessary imaging, alleviate pressure on radiology services, and ensure patients receive timely and accurate diagnoses.”
xWave Technologies is an Irish healthtech company headquartered in Dublin.