Member Article

New product set to cut NHS waiting times

A former NHS radiographer has developed an innovative software solution, which could change the treatment referral system for cancer patients.

Chris Kennelly set up Cievert in 2009 to improve the treatment referral process at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital. With the support of Newcastle Science City’s business support team, he has developed the software into a commercially viable product, which he now hopes to sell across the UK.

The products has reduced patient waiting time by an average of two days, and it is hoped that this impressive result will result in an uptake of the software across the NHS.

He said: “Because there are so many medical experts involved in the treatment of each cancer patient, the traditional referral process relies heavily on human intervention, making it untimely and subject to risk.

“When we were tasked with improving efficiencies in Newcastle we trawled the market for a suitable software product but discovered that nothing was available so designed our own purpose-built solution. As a result, the product is completely fit for purpose, ensuring strict governance over sensitive patient information.”

From a clinical point of view the benefits of this efficient system help clinics meet their waiting time objectives and from a patient perspective it can often deliver same day appointments to some who would previously had to wait three or four days for their treatment appointments.

Vivek Unnikrishnan, Newcastle Science City’s business support manager said: “Cievert’s launch provides a perfect example of the phenomenal opportunities that exist for developing insight-led, innovate businesses targeting the NHS and other health organisations.

Chris now hopes to create a whole suite of products to improve efficiencies within the healthcare sector.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .