Radiology images now accessible through GM Care Record

Healthcare professionals across Greater Manchester can now access radiology images directly through the Greater Manchester Care Record (GM Care Record), advancing joined-up care for the region.

The GM Care Record system provides health and social care professionals with health information including medications, allergies, test results, and care plans, for the region’s 2.8 million people.

The new capability, which went live on 14 July 2025, allows clinicians in hospitals, GP practices and community settings to view a patient’s full list of radiology images within the GM Care Record, powered by Graphnet Health.

An initial phase of the GM PACS Viewer project aims to streamline access to imaging, help reduce delays in diagnosis, improve how care is coordinated and enhance patient experience.

Malcolm Whitehouse, chief digital information officer at NHS Greater Manchester, said: “Making radiology images accessible in real time is a huge step forward for clinical decision-making.

“It’s a clear example of how smart digital infrastructure can improve outcomes, reduce duplication and create real value for both patients and the health system.

“This capability will also support our neighbourhood teams – including GPs, community services and urgent care professionals – by giving them access to vital information without needing to wait for hospital systems or paper records.

“That’s exactly the kind of innovation that will help make the Neighbourhood Health Service a reality.”

The development supports Greater Manchester’s wider ambition to deliver digitally-enabled, integrated care in alignment with the government’s Neighbourhood Health Service strategy, announced in the 10 year health plan.

By further integrating essential clinical data and eliminating the need to switch between systems to access imaging, the new capability is expected to benefit hospital specialists, neighbourhood care teams and primary care clinicians, reinforcing a more connected, patient-centred model of care.

This is expected to lead to faster turnaround times, potentially reducing diagnostic delays; streamlined workflows owing to one-click access to images via the GM Care Record; improved continuity of care across community and hospital services; and richer clinical context by allowing images to be viewed alongside other patient data.

A second phase, which will allow access to detailed radiology reports and metadata within the GM Care Record, is planned for later this year.

The PACS Viewer project builds on the continued growth of the GM Care Record.

According to the 2024 Innovation Impact Report by Health Innovation Manchester, clinicians viewed more than 380,000 patient records each month via the GM Care Record as of June 2025, representing a 36% increase from June 2024.

Based on current usage, the GM Care Record is estimated to provide over £15 million annually in productivity benefits due to saved clinical time.

Meanwhile, in July 2024, NHS Greater Manchester announced plans to go live with digital care plans, which would be added to the GM Care Record, along with a patient-facing app.