Greater Manchester hospital trials AI that can detect skin cancer in SECONDS

Artificial intelligence (AI) has landed - and experts predict it could change the way we live and work forever. While AI could cause huge upheaval for some people, for others it could transform things for the better.

One type of AI, which could help to save lives, is now being trialled in Greater Manchester. Tameside Hospital has been chosen to pilot a ground-breaking AI platform known as DERM, which can detect cancerous skin lesions within seconds.

It works by triaging potentially cancerous skin lesions on patients who have been referred by their GP on an urgent suspected cancer pathway. Patients will be booked in to attend an appointment at the Skin AI photographic hub.

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There, tests will be carried out using AI, with results delivered almost instantly. It means patients with suspected cancerous lesions can be diagnosed and treated earlier, or discharged immediately - without the requirement for a face-to-face consultant appointment if their lesion is benign.

Dr Loma Gardner, consultant dermatologist at Tameside Hospital, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for our Dermatology team and our patients within Tameside and Glossop. We know the outcomes of a cancer diagnosis are better the earlier treatment begins, so trialling the DERM technology is positive step.

“By implementing DERM into our pathway, we will expand our dermatology capacity by discharging patients with benign lesions without the need for an appointment and freeing up clinical time to see patients who really need us.” Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care is one of nine NHS trusts to have been chosen to take part in the pilot across England.

The trust