Pennine GP Alliance (PGPA) is thrilled to announce the launch of C the Signs, an advanced clinical system designed to improve early cancer detection and survival rates. The system launches today, Wednesday 5th February 2025, across GP practices in Calderdale.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to tackle healthcare inequalities and ensure that people in Calderdale receive the best possible care. PGPA has partnered with C the Signs, an innovative system fully integrated with GP computer systems, to support local healthcare professionals in identifying patients at risk of cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.
C the Signs is a clinical decision support system designed to help GPs make quicker and more accurate decisions when assessing the risk of cancer. Key features of the system include:
- Risk Identification: The system helps GPs spot patients at risk of cancer during their first visit, enabling earlier intervention.
- One-Click Referrals: GPs can easily refer patients to the right cancer diagnostic pathways with just one click, streamlining the process and ensuring quick action.
- Cancer Dashboard: The system tracks patients automatically, ensuring no one falls through the cracks and that follow-up tests and results are handled promptly.
Additionally, C the Signs supports GP practices in meeting key cancer care goals, helping them to improve patient outcomes while also meeting national healthcare targets.
Will Menzies, Chief Executive of Pennine GP Alliance, explains: “We’ve introduced C the Signs because it will help GPs in Calderdale make faster, better-informed decisions when it comes to detecting cancer early. It is already becoming an essential tool for supporting GPs in assessing cancer risks and getting patients the right care as soon as possible.”
This roll-out is supported by West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance
Jason Pawluk, Programme Director of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance, said: “Clinical decision support tools support colleagues in primary care to direct patients on to the right pathway depending on their signs and symptoms. These tools make an important contribution both to reassuring worried people that they do not have cancer, as well as getting those who might seen by specialists as quickly as possible. In turn, this supports what we are trying to achieve locally, which is to increase the proportion of people who are diagnosed with cancer at an early stage.”
The system brings several benefits to Calderdale practices, including:
- Localised Cancer Pathways: The system provides tailored recommendations specific to Calderdale, ensuring patients get the care they need quickly and accurately.
- Real-Time Tracking: Patients will be closely monitored from the moment of their first test through to their diagnosis, ensuring timely follow-up.
- Improved Outcomes: The system helps practices meet national cancer care goals, improving performance and contributing to better health outcomes across the region.
With many Calderdale practices already on board, C the Signs is set to make a real difference in the community. By equipping GPs with cutting-edge tools to detect cancer early, this initiative is set to improve survival rates and ultimately save lives.
Through this new partnership, Pennine GP Alliance is taking a significant step forward in improving cancer care and outcomes for patients in Calderdale, giving them the best chance of survival with early detection and timely treatment.
PGPA looks forward to seeing the positive impact C the Signs will have in Calderdale and beyond.