Rapid Diagnosis Centre at Whiteabbey Hospital, County Antrim
On World Cancer Day, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has praised the pioneering efforts of staff at Northern Ireland’s Rapid Diagnosis Centres (RDCs) in improving early cancer detection and better outcomes for patients.
The RDCs located in South Tyrone Hospital and Whiteabbey Hospital work in partnership with GPs who can refer patients to Vague Symptom Pathway (VSP) fast-track clinics at the centres for early cancer detection.
Launched as part of a pioneering pilot initiative in 2022, the two regional RDCs aim to address gaps in the traditional referral process. Patients with vague but worrying symptoms might not meet the criteria for a red flag referral but offering streamlined diagnostic services, the RDCs are ensuring that individuals who might otherwise face delays receive quicker access to investigations and treatment.
On a visit to the RDC at South Tyrone Hospital, Minister Nesbitt marked the progress made:
“On World Cancer Day I reaffirm my commitment to early cancer detection and timely treatment. The success of the RDC initiative is testament to everyone involved in the transition from a pilot project to regional hubs. Our compassionate and highly experienced teams are playing a key role in better outcomes for patients by addressing diagnostic capacity challenges, advancing innovation, and ensuring equitable access to high-quality care.
“This innovative service is ensuring earlier diagnoses, faster access to care, and reduced anxiety for individuals and their families. The development and expansion of the RDCs here and in Whiteabbey Hospital reflect the power of collaboration and ambition to make a real difference.
“Work is also currently underway to develop new pathways that would benefit from an RDC approach.”
Since launch in 2022 over 1,000 outpatients have attended an RDC, with 38 cases of cancer being confirmed to date. This figure is likely to increase when existing red flag cases receive a pathologic diagnosis. In addition to the cancer cases detected, a significant proportion of outpatients have received a diagnosis of other serious but non-cancer illnesses.
Although the service remains in its early stage of development, data shows comparable results to other established RDCs across the UK.
Between 2022 and 2024, 14% of Northern Ireland RDC referrals led to red flag pathways with a radiological indication of cancer.
Cathrine Reid, Director of Surgery and Clinical Services, commented:
“The RDC and Vague Symptom Pathway represents a vital innovation in healthcare. Patients with concerning symptoms are now being given the timely attention they need from the service and this is reassuring for the patient. We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from patients who have attended the RDC.
“This service integrates multidisciplinary teams, advanced diagnostic tools, and patient-centred care pathways. We are now reaching even more people, improving the quality of care and ultimately saving lives.”
Patients referred to the RDCs receive co-ordinated examination and investigations based on their needs in a one-stop environment with rapid reporting of results. With the consent of the patient, the RDC clinician makes an onward referral to the appropriate specialty for all patients who require further investigation or treatment. GPs can refer patients into either RDC site (South Tyrone Hospital and Whiteabbey Hospital) regardless of their GP Federation area.
During the visit, the Health Minister acknowledged Northern Ireland’s HSC Trusts’ Imaging Departments being the first region in the UK to be awarded the Quality Standard for Imaging (QSI) accreditation.
“This is a significant achievement for the region and the hard work and dedication of our imaging staff to quality and safety should be recognised and celebrated.”