AI technology to speed up diagnosis of skin cancer in Warrington

Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are using the latest in AI technology to provide patients with a swifter diagnosis of skin cancer.

A rise in skin cancer referrals is resulting in a high demand for dermatology services across NHS organisations in England, including locally in Warrington. 

Since 2022, the dermatology service (which is run by Bridgewater Community Healthcare) is now averaging over 300 patient referrals per month, with approximately half resulting in further testing and treatment into conditions such as skin cancer. 

This new NHS partnership with artificial intelligence technology provider Skin Analytics uses cutting-edge, NICE-recommended AI by recognising cancerous, pre-cancerous and common harmless skin conditions through photographic images. 

Resulting in faster diagnosis, this state-of-the-art system called DERM, is impressively 99.9% accurate when ruling out melanoma and 97% sensitive when detecting skin cancer.

When visiting the service, patients have images taken of their mole or skin lesion at a dedicated ‘Photo Hub Clinic’. These are then inputted into the DERM system and assessed using AI.

Those with common harmless skin conditions are quickly discharged without having to see a consultant. If, however, the DERM system flags any skin lesions as potentially pre-malignant or malignant, the patient will receive faster access to care, with some treatment performed on the same day, at the same location. 

Acting as a ‘one stop clinic’, not only is the service a first of its kind across the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside region; its location in a local shopping centre makes it more unique. 

Warrington and Halton Diagnostics Centre (a service provided by Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals) is located at Halton Health Hub, within Runcorn Shopping City. This is one of only a small number of NHS community diagnostic centres to be launched inside a shopping centre in the country, and as such is another first for the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside region.

Dr Paul Fitzsimmons is joint Medical Director for Bridgewater Community Healthcare and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals. He said:

"Skin cancer is the most frequently referred cancer specialty within the NHS, and we’re experiencing this increase firsthand across Warrington. 

“The rise in suspected skin cancer referrals has been placing increased pressure on our dermatology service.

“To better manage this growing demand, the partnership we have created with Skin Analytics has offered a valuable opportunity to work creatively by using effective, cutting-edge AI healthcare innovation.

“Not only does this AI technology speed up diagnosis and possible on the day treatment; the fact the service is located, not in a hospital but inside a modern diagnostic facility within a shopping centre, showcases how healthcare is able to reach out into our local communities.”

Dan Mullarkey, Medical Director at Skin Analytics said:

“At Skin Analytics, we believe every patient deserves access to fast and effective skin cancer diagnosis. 

“With DERM, NHS organisations receive a flexible and transformative solution for dermatology services that brings care directly to the community. 

“By establishing this service within a shopping centre, expert dermatological care is conveniently accessible where people already live, work, and shop. 

“It's wonderful to see local NHS trusts embracing innovation that eliminates traditional barriers to healthcare access, and together, we'll improve the patient journey for those with suspected skin cancer by providing timely care in familiar, convenient locations."

Speaking about his recent visit to the Warrington and Halton Diagnostics Centre, Stephen Campion from Penketh couldn’t quite believe how quick the AI technology was:

“I was amazed by the speed of the AI. The fact that you get seen and diagnosed within minutes rather than having to book a follow-up appointment, was great. The staff there were brilliant too, very friendly and explained clearly what was going on.

“In terms of where the service is, because you’re at a shopping centre, I didn’t have to pay for parking and there’s plenty of it too. It was all seamless.”