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, which is supplying a Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tool known as iRefer to three Trusts in Greater Manchester: Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester University 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: “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.”