Yorkshire Cancer Research has partnered with leading mobile medical unit providers, EMS Healthcare and Alliance Medical, to bring the UK’s largest lung health check programme to the heart of communities.
The lung screening trial is part of a multi-million-pound investment by Yorkshire Cancer Research in ground-breaking initiatives that will improve lung cancer outcomes and increase early diagnosis in the region. Lung cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in Yorkshire, with around 4,500 people diagnosed with the disease every year.[1] 7,000 people living in Leeds will be screened across the duration of the trial.
The trial, carried out in partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and Leeds City Council, will test the effectiveness of community-based lung health checks in Leeds, inviting those at high risk of developing lung cancer. EMS Healthcare’s innovative Liberty unit will be connected to a mobile CT scanner, provided by Alliance Medical and taken into leisure centre and supermarket car parks providing participating patients with an accessible and comfortable treatment environment.
Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “We are delighted to be funding this trial which tackles the biggest health problem currently facing our region. The outcomes of this initiative will be instrumental in influencing how we deliver effective lung diagnosis services in the future, and in ultimately improving patient outcomes.
“By partnering with EMS Healthcare and Alliance Medical, we are bringing the trial direct into the heart of our communities, putting patient wellbeing first.”
Dr Matthew Callister, Consultant Respiratory Medicine and project lead at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “The Lung Health Checks carried out in the mobile units will enable us to detect lung disease including cancer at an early stage when treatments are much more effective. Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in Yorkshire, and this project will significantly improve outcomes for our patients in Leeds.”
The mobile medical units have been fitted out with an array of specialist equipment. Clinical staff will be able to carry out crucial lung scans on visiting patients, as well as checks of lung function. The Liberty unit has also undergone major refurbishment ahead of the project, creating a modern, relaxed and comfortable environment on board for both patients and staff.
Keith Austin, CEO of EMS Healthcare, commented: “This trial is an outstanding example of how collaboration can address healthcare challenges, and truly advance services in local communities. Working alongside Alliance Medical, we have been able to create a solution that provides clinicians with everything they need to deliver vital screening in a setting that is both accessible and welcoming for patients.”
Simon Wilsdon, Business Development Manager at Alliance Medical, said: “Collaborating with EMS Healthcare on the creation of this unit has allowed us to deliver a solution that will make a real difference to the lives of so many people. We’re honoured to be part of such an important trial for the region.”
