The Single Queue Diagnostic Pathway – Information for Clinicians

Following a successful pilot study as part of the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance COVID19 recovery plan in 2021, the Single Queue Diagnostic project has been expanded. It aims to create a referral portal using Infoflex ® and implement its use for certain specialist diagnostic tests across GM. Infoflex ® is a web-based solution that enables appointments to be visible at different hospital trust sites across Greater Manchester, meaning patients can be offered a choice of dates and hospital trusts at which to have their procedure. The intention is that patients can then access the earliest possible slot, even if it is not at their usual hospital. The diagnostic tests currently operating as a single queue in GM are Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS), Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), Local Anaesthetic Thoracoscopy (LAT) and Image Guided Lung Biopsy.

By creating a single queue we hope to help reduce any delays at the front end of the patient pathway. All available EBUS, EUS, LAT and Image Guided Lung Biopsy appointment slots in Greater Manchester will be visible by the referring clinician. The patient then has the option to travel further within the region to have their test more quickly, if they would prefer.
Feedback from our service users during the pilot project showed that the majority of patients would like to be offered an earlier appointment, even if it meant travelling further. Often patients find the period of waiting for diagnostic tests a particularly difficult part of their cancer pathway. Using a single queue system helps to reduce that period of waiting.

“During the past 12 months I have been actively involved with The Single Queue Diagnostics Pathway Board and have been amazed at the work done behind the scenes by clinicians to shorten the time  it takes to give a diagnosis to people suspected of having cancer.

The Single Queue Diagnostics offers people undergoing tests for cancer the option to shorten the wait for some investigations by offering appointments at the first available hospital, instead of having to wait for local hospital appointments to become available.

Work designed to achieve a faster diagnosis for the patient, and subsequently faster access to treatment, can only be welcomed by myself as a previous cancer patient and part of the user involvement team.

I am so proud to have been associated with this team.”

John Tattum, User Involvement Representative

Using the New Referral System

This training is for referrers, bookers and schedulers of EBUS for lung cancer patients. It is a recording of live training given to staff in May 2023 who were also a part of the development of the tool itself. The training will take you through the steps needed to book a patient onto a test, and how to schedule those appointment slots on the InfoFlex system.

This training is for referrers, bookers and schedulers of Local Anaesthetic Thoracoscopy for lung cancer patients. It is a recording of live training given to staff in May 2023 who were also a part of the development of the tool itself. The training will take you through the steps needed to book a patient onto a test, and how to schedule those appointment slots on the InfoFlex system.

Image Guided Biopsy referral demonstration.

SQD Image Guided Vetting Demonstration