X-rays and scans to be stored and mailed electronically across NHS

Millions of patients will get treatment more quickly and efficiently thanks to new technology to be rolled out across the country from this summer, Health Minister John Hutton announced today.

The new system will enable images such as X-rays and scans to be stored and mailed electronically rather than printed on film and filed manually – enabling doctors to provide a much faster diagnosis.

Rather than having to physically transfer an X-ray or scan by hand from one hospital department to another, health professionals across the NHS will be able to access the information at the touch of a button.

The system, called PACS – Picture Archiving and Communications Systems – is being established under the Department of Health’s £6bn IT programme.

PACS technology will begin to be rolled out from this summer through five Local Service Providers (LSPs).  National coverage will be completed in three years.

People in rural areas will especially benefit because PACS will be put into Minor Injuries Units and other diagnostic locations, saving many journeys to hospital.

John Hutton said:

“This ground-breaking deal is a great example of how investment in the IT infrastructure is helping to deliver better patient care.

“The new system will help doctors do what they do best – treating patients – and will provide NHS users with a first class, 21st century service.

“The digital image will follow the patient wherever they go and will be able to be recalled whenever and wherever they need to be accessed by a patient’s healthcare professional.

“Hospitals will no longer have to pay for film, doctors will be able to diagnose treatment quicker and patients will receive a faster, better service.”

Richard Granger, Director General of NHS IT, added:

“The Local Service Providers have worked with us to deliver the best possible value and first class performance. Today’s announcement represents the best possible deal for the NHS.

“We have negotiated a substantial reduction in the average price of a PACS system. This deal is providing better quality systems for a lower cost with increased functionality and these will be fully compliant with the NHS Care Record Service.”

Professor Aidan Halligan, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and joint Director General of the National Programme for IT, said:

“Today’s announcement has wide-ranging clinical and patient benefits.

“In addition to patients not having to wait whilst their X-rays are processed and delivered by hand from one department to another, clinicians will no longer have to hold X-rays up to a light box in A and E to make a diagnosis.

“There will be improved staff and patient safety due to reductions in radiation dosages from x-rays and avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals for film processing.”

Mr Hutton announced the rights to supply PACS have been awarded to: