Cheshire and Merseyside secures up to £1.2m from AI Diagnostic Fund

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Radiology Imaging Network (CAMRIN) has received funding from the NHS Transformation Directorate’s AI Diagnostic Fund to expedite the deployment of AI technology in diagnosing lung cancer patients. The funding, totaling £1.2 million, will be used to implement an AI imaging and support tool that can analyze chest X-ray images and detect potential signs of lung cancer. This tool will be implemented across nine acute and specialist NHS trusts in the Cheshire and Merseyside region, aiming to prioritize patients and alleviate the workload for clinical staff. Dr. John Mullany, CAMRIN’s clinical lead for AI, emphasizes the importance of using AI to enhance patient outcomes and productivity in radiology departments. The AI Diagnostic Fund, which has allocated £21m to 11 imaging networks in England, focuses on improving the country’s diagnostic capabilities through innovation. This initiative aligns with the NHS’s ongoing efforts to leverage AI for early disease detection and efficient patient care.