West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust has recently implemented Hexarad’s OptiRad technology, designed to enhance the performance of its radiology departments.
OptiRad aims to reduce scan waiting times for patients, enabling quicker access to treatment. This cloud-based software was deployed in June 2024, streamlining radiology operations by forecasting capacity, providing performance analytics, and handling key administrative tasks, ultimately freeing up radiologists’ time.
According to Hexarad, OptiRad is capable of processing and assigning thousands of scans within minutes, significantly reducing the time taken to allocate scans to radiologists by around 90%.
Dr. Nina Breunung-Joshi, clinical director of radiology at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, expressed the importance of efficiency in patient care amidst workforce shortages and escalating demand for scans. She highlighted the potential of OptiRad in driving efficiencies, improving performance, aiding in demand and capacity planning, and identifying rota gaps for short-term cover.
The Royal College of Radiologists’ recent census underscored the strain on NHS radiology services, with a significant clinical radiologist shortfall and prolonged waiting times for imaging results.
Earlier this year, the hospital trust also introduced two additional robotic surgery machines, showcasing their commitment to advancing healthcare technology.
