An East Midlands wide project transforming the way radiology images and reports are used has been named as one of 13 new Acute Care Collaboration Vanguards.
The East Midlands Radiology Consortium (EMRAD), based at the NCSEM-EM, has been chosen by NHS England to develop new arrangements between hospitals for sharing staff, services and resources to improve the quality of care provided to patients. Acute Care Collaboration Vanguards are designed to spread excellence in hospital services and management across multiple geographies.
EMRAD is a consortium of seven NHS trusts throughout the East Midlands, including Nottingham University Hospitals, Kettering General Hospital, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Northampton General Hospital, University Hospital Leicester, United Lincolnshire Hospitals and Mansfield’s King’s Mill Hospital.
The consortium is based around a system that stores and transmits images and reports seamlessly throughout the region, supporting timely and high quality clinical care regardless of geographical location, supporting 24/7 services. The consortium aims to be part of a sustainable long-term model for radiology services in the region.
As one of 13 new Acute Care Collaboration Vanguards, the EMRAD project will benefit from practical support provided at national level, as well as access to national funding. The support package is designed to help Vanguards be as successful as possible in developing their services, and also to share learning and practice across the wider NHS.
Dr Tim Taylor, Consultant Radiologist at NUH and Medical Director for the EMRAD project, said: “Becoming an Acute Care Collaboration Vanguard is an exciting opportunity for the EMRAD family of Trusts. We’ve already proved our commitment to working together over the last couple of years, with exceptional support from colleagues in all EMRAD Trusts and at all levels.
“Vanguard recognition, and the national support that comes with it, will be of great value to us as we take the next steps together – working in collaboration, rather than in competition.”