Meet the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service, a shining example of innovation in Cancer Care.
This exceptional service was designed to address the urgent need for timely investigation of patients with suspected cancer presenting with vague or non-specific symptoms. Prior to its establishment, these patients faced significant delays due to unclear investigative pathways.
The RCDS came to fruition through outstanding collaboration between primary and secondary care teams, including lead surgeons, cancer services managers, GPs, diagnostics managers, laboratory staff, IT experts, and radiologists. Their combined efforts created a seamless and efficient pathway for rapid patient assessment.
In just over a year, the RCDS has achieved remarkable results, with a high rate of cancer detection compared to the other pathways. The feedback from patients and primary care colleagues has been overwhelmingly positive mainly attributed to the speed of referral, time to diagnostic test and results, Single Point of Contact (Patient Navigator) and enhanced communication throughout the pathway, as confirmed by evaluations from Strathclyde University and local sources.
This service offers a comprehensive, one-stop environment for patients with vague symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea—symptoms that previously did not fit into existing cancer pathways. By delivering coordinated, patient-centred care, the RCDS ensures timely diagnosis and appropriate referrals to specialist pathways.
Key to its success are the Clinical Nurse Specialist’s, patient navigator, Clinical Secretary along with the dedicated Lead Consultant, Mr Martin Downey. Their unwavering commitment underscores the service’s role in providing equitable, high-quality cancer care across NHS Scotland.
The Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service exemplifies what can be achieved through effective collaboration and innovation. It is rightfully shortlisted for this award, recognising its significant impact on early cancer detection and ultimately improving patient care and outcomes
