FORMER NHS radiographer Chris Kennelly is hoping to build up interest in a system which could make referrals more efficient for cancer patients across the country.

Newcastle Science City’s business support team has been working with Kennelly’s team on Cievert, a company which is hoping to roll out a software system to speed up the referral process.

Kennelly was the leader of a team which initially designed the software back in 2008, looking to improve processes at the Freeman Hospital’s Northern Centre for Cancer Care. He said the system succeeded in reducing patient waiting time by an average of two days.

Kennelly said: “Because there are so many medical experts involved in the treatment of each cancer patient, the traditional referral process relies heavily on human intervention, making it untimely and subject to risk.

“When we were tasked with improving efficiencies in Newcastle we trawled the market for a suitable software product but discovered that nothing was available so designed our own purpose-built solution.

“As a result, the product is completely fit for purpose, ensuring strict governance over sensitive patient information.

“From a clinical point of view the benefits of this efficient system help clinics meet their waiting time objectives and from a patient perspective it can often deliver same-day peace of mind to some who would previously had to wait three or four days for their treatment appointments.”

Kennelly is keen to start selling the product across the UK after developing it for commercialisation, and is hoping it could be adopted wider across the NHS. He also keen to create more software products to improve efficiency throughout the healthcare sector.

He said: “I can see the potential for a second product already. There are lots of innovative ideas within the NHS, niche ideas that stay local at the moment and don’t get rolled out across the whole sector.

“What I want to do is identify them and by working with the NHS, Newcastle Science City and other partners, create a suite of products that can deliver big improvements in efficiencies within the healthcare sector – ultimately bringing further benefits to patients.”

Newcastle Science City’s business support team works to help entrepreneurs dodge the problems that typically trip up people starting new businesses or developing products for sale.

It combines knowledge of various science sectors with a list of contacts that can help build interest in a product or help in its development. It aims to accelerate potentially high-growth businesses in the region.

Vivek Unnikrishnan, Newcastle Science City’s business support manager, said: “Cievert’s launch provides a perfect example of the phenomenal opportunities that exist for developing insight-led, innovative businesses targeting the NHS and other health organisations.

“The skill, passion and vision Chris brings to the company I am sure will help Cievert meet its growth targets.”

For more information on Newcastle Science City’s business support team, contact Simon Green on tel: 0191 211 3015, email simon.green@newcastlesciencecity.com or visit www.newcastlesciencecity.com