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Heartbeat: NOUS – a new ultrasound service for the community

July 20, 2021

SWB CCG has commissioned a new ultrasound service which will be jointly delivered by us and Modality LLP.

Boasting six brand new ultrasound machines for delivery of the service, one for each of our community sites. Patients will be able to access the service seven days per week and will be offered an ultrasound appointment at one of the six specified locations within 10 days of referral receipt.

Unlike most community ultrasound services that rely on portable laptop machines and unreliable portable Wi-Fi, we will have a full ultrasound system with SWB network connectivity, meaning real-time connection to patient databases and also the ability to both view and upload to the PACS image archive.

These systems have superior image quality and features to those found on portable systems and this will allow for more accurate interpretation of images and diagnosis. Our connection to the Radiology patient information system (CRIS) and the trust image archive (PACS) will allow for images to be viewed by a team of sub-specialty radiologists, to provide timely second opinion assistance if required.

The service, previously delivered by Health Harmonie, will now benefit from:

  • A fully IT integrated service where all ultrasound scans taken in the community setting are available to SWBHT in real-time enabling a smooth and efficient patient pathway
  • Referral process using ICE saving time for referrers
  • Accessibility from six community locations including:
    • West Birmingham: Nishkam Pharmacy (Handsworth), Shanklin House Surgery (Handsworth) & Tower Hill Partnership Medical Practice (Perry Barr)
    • Sandwell: Neptune Health Park (Tipton), Rowley Regis Hospital (Rowley Regis) & Hill Top Medical Centre (Oldbury)
  • A fully integrated clinical model where SWBHT Consultant Radiologists provide clinical oversight for community sonographers
  • Appointments for direct access ultrasound requests offered within 10 days of referral
  • Ultrasound reports sent back to the referring GP within two days.