On World Cancer Day, Health Minister has praised the pioneering
efforts of staff at Northern Ireland's Rapid Diagnosis Centres
(RDCs) in improving early cancer detection and better outcomes
for patients.
The RDCs located in South Tyrone Hospital and Whiteabbey Hospital
work in partnership with GPs who can refer patients to Vague
Symptom Pathway (VSP) fast-track clinics at the centres for early
cancer detection.
Launched as part of a pioneering pilot initiative in 2022, the
two regional RDCs aim to address gaps in the traditional referral
process. Patients with vague but worrying symptoms might not meet
the criteria for a red flag referral but offering streamlined
diagnostic services, the RDCs are ensuring that individuals who
might otherwise face delays receive quicker access to
investigations and treatment.
On a visit to the RDC at South Tyrone Hospital, Minister Nesbitt
marked the progress made:
“On World Cancer Day I reaffirm my
commitment to early cancer detection and timely treatment. The
success of the RDC initiative is testament to everyone involved
in the transition from a pilot project to regional hubs. Our
compassionate and highly experienced teams are playing a key role
in better outcomes for patients by addressing diagnostic capacity
challenges, advancing innovation, and ensuring equitable access
to high-quality care.
“This innovative service is ensuring earlier diagnoses,
faster access to care, and reduced anxiety for individuals and
their families. The development and expansion of the RDCs
here and in Whiteabbey Hospital reflect the power of
collaboration and ambition to make a real difference.
“Work is also currently underway to develop new pathways
that would benefit from an RDC approach.”
Since launch in 2022 over 1,000 outpatients have attended an RDC,
with 38 cases of cancer being confirmed to date. This figure is
likely to increase when existing red flag cases receive a
pathologic diagnosis. In addition to the cancer cases detected, a
significant proportion of outpatients have received a diagnosis
of other serious but non-cancer illnesses. Although the service
remains in its early stage of development, data shows comparable
results to other established RDCs across the UK.
Between 2022 and 2024, 14% of Northern Ireland RDC referrals led
to red flag pathways with a radiological indication of
cancer.
Cathrine Reid, Director of Surgery and Clinical Services,
commented:
“The RDC and Vague Symptom Pathway represents a vital innovation
in healthcare. Patients with concerning symptoms are now being
given the timely attention they need from the service and this is
reassuring for the patient. We have been overwhelmed by the
positive feedback from patients who have attended the RDC.
“This service integrates multidisciplinary teams, advanced
diagnostic tools, and patient-centred care pathways. We are now
reaching even more people, improving the quality of care and
ultimately saving lives.”
Patients referred to the RDCs receive co-ordinated examination
and investigations based on their needs in a one-stop environment
with rapid reporting of results. With the consent of the patient,
the RDC clinician makes an onward referral to the appropriate
specialty for all patients who require further investigation or
treatment. GPs can refer patients into either RDC site (South
Tyrone Hospital and Whiteabbey Hospital) regardless of their GP
Federation area.
During the visit, the Health Minister acknowledged Northern
Ireland's HSC Trusts' Imaging Departments being the first region
in the UK to be awarded the Quality Standard for Imaging (QSI)
accreditation.
“This is a significant achievement for the region and the
hard work and dedication of our imaging staff to quality and
safety should be recognised and celebrated.”
