Introducing the Faster Diagnosis Framework (FDF)

Throughout the past number of years, colleagues at the Trust have been looking to further develop and enhance diagnostic services for patients with suspected illnesses such as cancer.

This has led to various innovations and improved patient pathways, however, much of this work has changed considerably over the past number of years, much of which is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a significantly increased backlog of activity to work through, staff at the Trust are now working at pace to resolve this challenge as soon as possible, with much of this activity coming under the Faster Diagnosis Framework (FDR).

The vision of this workstream is to provide personalised, accurate and speedy investigations, all of which will help us to start treatment quickly if needed, as well as provide a better patient experience.

A tangible example of the work we’ve undertaken so far is the creation of the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Montagu Hospital. As part of a five-year development, which is now in phase two following further investment of £9 million, this has seen the placement of mobile CT and MRI scanners within the Mexborough site, and, since 2022 has seen around 2,500 patients and helped to dramatically reduce our MRI backlog. This scheme has now been spun-off into its own project so that the FDF team can focus on other areas.

Further innovations that the FDF is looking to develop, implement and embed within the Trust are:

  • Pilot a ‘One-stop ovarian, cervical/vulval straight-to-test clinics and implementation of best practice timed pathways for gynaecology pathways.
  • Evaluation of additional monthly ultrasound core biopsy clinics for head and neck pathway and implementation of best practice timed pathways.
  • Histology – testing/evaluating new ways of working using new rapid tissue processors installed 2022.
  • Further upper and lower gastroenterology improvements.
  • General non-specific symptoms pathway improvements.
  • General skin pathway improvements.
  • Prostate – additional capacity for Clinical Nurse Specialists and Patient Navigators.

Above is a snapshot of work which is underway, and, if successful, this will entail millions of pounds worth of investment in improving our working practices and the care and treatment we provide for our patients.

We will update colleagues on further FDF work in the coming weeks and months as well make progress with this workstream.