An NHS project using AI technology to improve cancer screening across Greater Manchester, including Stockport, has been shortlisted for a prestigious Health Service Journal Award.
The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is up for the ‘Modernising Diagnostics Award’ for its work to roll out an integrated AI systems into chest x-rays at seven NHS Trusts in the region.
This has been rolled out in seven NHS trusts across the region, including Stockport NHS Foundation Trust based at Stepping Hill Hospital.
The new technology, the result of a partnership between Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, Greater Manchester Imaging Network and global health tech firm Annalise.ai, is helping to support more rapid diagnosis, smarter referrals and improved cancer detection.
The need to detect cancer more quickly is particularly urgent in Greater Manchester, where lung cancer rates sit at 24% above the national average and life expectancy is lower than in England as a whole.
The project forms part of a wider programme of work being led by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, with the aim of improving cancer outcomes and experiences for the population of Stockport and the rest of Greater Manchester.
This year’s HSJ Awards attracted more than 1,250 entries from across the health sector. With only 245 projects and individuals making it through to the final shortlist, the competition has been incredibly tough, demonstrating the impressive scale of talent, commitment, and impact across the NHS and wider healthcare landscape.
Dr Rhidian Bramley, Consultant Radiologist and Digital and Innovation lead at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, led the AIRPORT study – working with Annalise AI and Sectra Imaging which is nominated for the Modernising Diagnostics Award. Dr Bramley said:
“The AIRPORT study is the first known real-world chest x-ray AI implementation to evaluate both clinical and cost-effectiveness in line with NICE guidance.
“It is supporting more rapid diagnosis, smarter CT referrals, improved cancer detection, and greater efficiency across the imaging system. We are delighted to have this work recognised.”
Dr Tushar Mahambrey (pictured), Deputy Medical Director for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said:
“It’s fantastic that the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance has been recognised at the HSJ Awards for its innovative use of this new technology, which is improving the early detection of lung cancer, and saving lives.
We’re proud that here in Stockport we are a part of this, and that our patients are benefitting as a result.”
The 2025 awards judging panel was made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community, including; Matthew Style, Director General, Secondary Care and Integration, Department of Health and Social Care, Mark Cubbon, Chief Executive Officer, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, NHS England as well as a range of esteemed Chief Executives from NHS Trusts across the UK.
Winners will be announced at the HSJ awards ceremony on 20th November 2025.
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