Irish startup to deploy clinical decision support tool in NHS

Irish health tech start-up xWave Technologies is partnering with three NHS trusts within the Greater Manchester Imaging Network to deploy a clinical decision support (CDS) tool.

The partnership with the NHS trusts will see xWave deploy its cloud-based CDS platform, through 2025 and 2026, to provide guidance to GPs on ordering the most appropriate scan for patients according to the Royal College of Radiologists’ iRefer guidelines.

Greater Manchester Imaging Network is leading the initiative which includes Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust; and Wigan, Wrightington and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust.

Catherine Walsh, associate director of the Greater Manchester Imaging Network, said: “We are delighted to be introducing this innovative technology across three of our NHS Trusts.

“These tools will not only improve outcomes for patients by ensuring they get the right scan at the right time, but they will also support our hardworking GPs and radiology teams by streamlining workflows and optimising use of limited resources.”

The initiative will allow GPs to order CT scans of the chest, stomach and hip areas of the body and MRI scans of the brain, in addition to the x-rays and ultrasounds they can already order. 

It is also hoped that xWave’s software will save administration time for those staff currently manually processing orders via email or paper systems.

Mitchell O’Gorman, chief executive of xWave Technologies, said: “We’re incredibly excited to work with such forward-thinking trusts to deliver clinical decision support at scale.

“At a time when radiology waiting lists are growing and workforce shortages are intensifying, tools like ours can help trusts deliver faster, smarter, and more equitable access to diagnostic imaging.

“The rollout of xWave’s platform comes as NHS England is making additional funding available for NHS trusts that have not yet adopted clinical decision support solutions.

“This funding is intended to support broader adoption of CDS technologies, such as xWave CDS, to reduce unnecessary imaging, alleviate pressure on radiology services, and ensure patients receive timely and accurate diagnoses.”

In 2024, an AI solution from global health tech firm Annalise.ai began rollout at seven NHS trusts within the Greater Manchester Imaging Network to help detect diseases, including lung cancer, quicker.

It was funded by the £21 million Artificial Intelligence Diagnostics Fund, announced by NHSE in June 2023, to spur the deployment of AI and machine learning tools that can speed up the diagnosis and treatment of serious illness including cancer, stroke and heart conditions.