Two rapid diagnosis centres for cancer to open in Northern Ireland

Two specialist clinics to help reduce the time for cancer diagnosis and improve patient outcomes are set to open in Northern Ireland.

The Rapid Diagnosis Centres, which are the first of their kind in NI, are being launched at Whiteabbey Hospital and Dungannon’s South Tyrone Hospital.

As part of a pilot programme, GPs in the Armagh and Dungannon and East Antrim areas are now able to refer patients into the RDCs.

The centres will receive referrals for patients with non-specific but concerning symptoms which may lead to a diagnosis of cancer, but which do not meet the criteria of other red flag cancer pathways.

Over the coming year the sites are set to expand and accept referrals from GPs across the whole of the country.

The DOH has said Patients who are referred to the hubs will 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 will make an onward referral to the appropriate specialty for all patients who require further investigation or treatment.

Heather Monteverde, Department of Health Professional Advisor said the new fast track clinics will help those who present “with vague, undifferentiated symptoms which the GP suspects could be cancer.”

Meanwhile, The Department of Health’s Permanent Secretary, Peter May, has described the move as “an important step forward in our ability to diagnose those harder to identify cancers”.

He added: “Most importantly, there is the opportunity to diagnose more people sooner and to improve both patient experience and outcomes.

“I am delighted to see these centres opening for patients after much hard work by all involved, and I look forward to their expansion over the next year.”

Kevin McMahon, Director of Surgical and Clinical services in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust said:

“Whilst this is initially for the local East Antrim population, we look forward to expanding this service to a much wider population in the near future.”

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• Department of Health