Cheshire and Merseyside Radiology Imaging Network introduces transformational AI diagnostic technology
Thursday, 24 July 2025
The Cheshire and Merseyside Radiology Imaging Network (CAMRIN) is helping clinicians to detect lung cancer more quickly with the rollout of new AI technology to support the diagnosis of lung cancer.
The technology is now live across all 11 imaging sites in Cheshire and Merseyside with the help from funding from the AI Diagnostic Fund (AIDF). This major milestone highlights the spirit of innovation across the region and CAMRIN’s shared commitment to continually improving radiology services.
£1.2m was awarded to Cheshire and Merseyside from the AIDF to accelerate the implementation of an AI imaging and support tool which can analyse chest X-ray images and identify possible signs of lung cancer.
The technology is supplied by Annalise.ai a global health company offering AI solutions for clinicians. Annalise.ai’s technology uses AI to facilitate fast, accurate detection of up to 124 clinical findings and act as a second pair of eyes for clinicians helping them to ensure an accurate diagnosis of lung cancer patients more quickly.
This novel and unique approach to AI implementation uses cloud technology to reduce costs, save resources, and streamline deployment. It represents a partnership between Annalise, CAMRIN, Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) provider Philips, and ARO as the cloud infrastructure provider. This collaboration marks a significant step towards achieving the NHS's goal of earlier cancer detection and improved patient outcomes.
Initial feedback from CAMRIN users has been very positive with clinicians recognising the value of detection capabilities and the many benefits that the new technology will provide to patients. When the AI technology identifies a potential lung cancer case, the information is relayed to the radiologist in under a minute. If they confirm the solution’s findings, the patient is booked for a CT scan on the same day, fast tracking both diagnosis and treatment.
The innovation and impact of this project have also been recognised nationally, with the project being shortlisted for a Health Service Journal (HSJ) Digital Award for Driving Change Through AI and Automation. This recognition is a testament to the contributions of all partners and a point of pride for the CAMRIN team.
Yvonne Shanks, Head of Collaboration & Assurance/Interim CAMRIN programme lead said:
“This has been a complex project involving multiple stakeholders, and reaching this point represents a significant collective achievement. We would like to thank all partners for their support during the rollout — the responsiveness, expertise, and guidance provided by Annalise were instrumental to the success of the CAMRIN implementation.
“With all sites now live, our focus shifts to increasing user engagement and realising the full benefits of the technology. We’re confident that continued collaboration will support us in maximising the impact of this work and delivering meaningful improvements for both staff and patients.”
Tracey Cole-Wetherill, Programme Director, Cheshire and Merseyside Diagnostics said:
“We are always striving to improve our diagnostics services across Cheshire and Merseyside and one of the key ways of doing that is to embrace and introduce the newest technologies and diagnostic advancements.
“AI technology has made great strides in helping to improve the way we diagnose a number of conditions and we are confident that by using it to help detect potential lung cancers, we will see significant advancements in the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis.
“We look forward to building on this strong foundation of AI technology and to look for ways to embed AI into even more diagnostic services to deliver lasting clinical value across Cheshire and Merseyside.”