Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) has won the 2024/25 HTN Health Tech Award for Health Tech Case Study of the Year for its groundbreaking collaboration with Isla Health. This partnership has transformed dermatology services by introducing remote care solutions for Community Lesion Imaging Clinics (CLICs), significantly improving patient access and operational efficiency.
By implementing Isla’s digital platform, RCHT replaced outdated referral processes with a faster, more accessible system, particularly benefiting rural and geographically isolated communities. The impact has been profound:
- 49% reduction in face-to-face appointments, freeing up clinician time for urgent cases
- Two-Week Wait (2WW) referral triage time reduced from 57 days to just 12 days
- AI-ready database with 3,000+ high-quality dermoscopic images, supporting future diagnostic advancements
The introduction of remote CLICs has streamlined workflows, reduced administrative burden, and enhanced clinical productivity. Patients no longer need to travel long distances for initial assessments, leading to improved access to care and shorter waiting times.
Addressing the Urgency of Skin Cancer Diagnosis: A Model for NHS Digital Transformation
Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, affecting thousands each year. However, early diagnosis can increase survival rates to 98% (Cancer Research UK).
In recognition of #WorldCancerDay on February 4th, RCHT’s award-winning initiative showcases the power of digital transformation in healthcare. By reducing urgent skin cancer referral times from 57 days to just 12, this program demonstrates how innovation can tackle key NHS challenges—such as rising demand, staff burnout, and referral backlogs—while improving patient outcomes.
The success of RCHT and Isla’s partnership sets a new benchmark for healthcare innovation, providing a scalable model for organisations looking to modernise pathways, enhance clinical efficiency, and deliver better patient care.
Discover how your organisation can benefit from digital-first pathway solutions in this award-winning case study.
