NI’s Photo Triage Pathway wins top UK award

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has congratulated all those involved in NI’s Dermatology Photo Triage Pathway following recognition at UK-wide Quality in Care awards.

The Pathway enables GP practices across NI to take digital images of suspicious moles or skin irregularities and send them directly to a dermatologist for triage. The specialist technology is now also available through Action Cancer’s ‘Big Bus’ cancer detection service.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “This is well-deserved recognition for a service that brings tangible benefits to both patients and the wider health service. 

“The new Pathway enables referrals to be triaged within 72 hours which means a clinical decision can be made on a patient’s management much more quickly than if they had to wait for a hospital appointment. When someone has a suspicious mole or notices a difference in their skin they can understandably be worried so reducing this wait time for patients is hugely important and can also help improve outcomes.

“I am delighted to confirm that capital funding has been allocated to further develop this important service. The additional funding will be used to replace the current equipment with higher specification dermatascopes which will improve image quality and further support clinical decision making.

“I want to commend all those involved in the management and ongoing delivery of the Pathway. It is an excellent example of how collaborative working can really make a difference.”

Minister Nesbitt added: “Achieving this best-in-class recognition at national level demonstrates how our health service in Northern Ireland can successfully develop and embed truly transformational solutions. Many congratulations to all involved.”

There have been over 15,000 referrals made via the Pathway since it was first piloted in 2018.

The Photo Triage service was named as winners of both the Patient Care Pathway – Primary, Secondary and Community and the Dermatology Digital and Technology Solutions for the Treatment of Skin Conditions categories at the 2024 Quality in Care (QiC) Dermatology Awards last week.

Notes to editors: 

1. Quality in Care (QiC) is an awards programme for the UK and Ireland that recognises good practice in patient care and joint working in key therapy areas and allows these schemes to be shared and disseminated on a national level.
2. QiC Dermatology in association with Dermatology in practice, rewards and shares good practice in Dermatology for people with skin conditions and/or their families.
3. A QiC award means that an initiative has been highlighted by the NHS, charities, patient organisations and industry as improving patient experience, standards of care and outcomes.
4. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
5. Follow us on X @healthdpt and linkedIn Department of Health NI | LinkedIn
6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

Share this page