ICB collaboration shortlisted for HSJ Partnership Awards

A partnership between the NHS and health tech company Cyted has been shortlisted for a top health sector award.

The Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB’s collaboration with Cyted led to the rollout of the innovative capsule sponge test which has helped to eliminate diagnostic waiting lists for patients with Barrett’s Oesophagus.

The potentially lifesaving ‘sponge on a thread’ test can help to detect early signs of cancer in people with Barrett’s - a condition which can put them at a higher risk of developing oesophageal cancer.

Capsule sponge requires no sedation and can be delivered in a nurse-led clinic in about 15 minutes. It is also less invasive and generally more comfortable than an endoscopy. 

The partnership has been shortlisted for ‘Diagnostics Project of the Year’ award.  Now in their seventh year, the highly regarded HSJ Partnership Awards recognise the outstanding dedication to improving healthcare and effective collaboration across the UK’s healthcare system.

Fleur Carney, cancer director at the ICB, said: “Our partnership with Cyted has enabled us to innovate to improve patients’ experience of care.

“Capsule sponge is a fantastic example of how new technology can eliminate waiting times and speed up diagnosis for our patients.”

The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at Evolution London on 21 March 2024.

The full list of nominees for the 2024 HSJ Partnership Awards can be found at https://partnership.hsj.co.uk/