A GROUP of GP practices across Bradford has won funding to pilot a new referral system for patients suffering from symptoms linked to a type of cancer.

The Westcliffe Group of practices, part of the NHS Bradford Districts Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), has developed an innovative new way of fast-tracking patients for tests and diagnosis if they have any problems associated with upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, which can affect the oesophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gall bladder or bile ducts.

The Health Foundation, an independent healthcare charity, has selected the group as one of 20 care projects across the UK, and just two in Yorkshire, to benefit from its £1.5 million 'Innovating for Improvement' programme.

It will receive £75,000, to be split between the practices and Oberoi Consulting, its IT partner for the project.

The online system could be trialled with up to 50,000 registered patients, and if successful, could be rolled out across the Bradford district and other CCG areas.

Patients will be able to use the system to be referred directly for tests or to a specialist clinic, without waiting to get a GP appointment first.

By answering a series of questions they will be triaged electronically, either being asked to go for tests such as an endoscopy or ultrasound scan, and having a choice of which clinic to attend, or to see their GP for a routine appointment.

Dr Pam Rawal, a GP at Cowgill Surgery in Clayton with a special interest in gastroenterology, has led the team developing the online referral form.

She said it would help more patients get fast access to the right care, especially if they have early stage cancer.

"We are always looking at ways to improve patient care, especially for people who may have symptoms of cancer," she said.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to change how we can offer healthcare services that will help us beat cancer through earlier diagnosis.

"Many patients over 55 have problems swallowing, which could be a symptom of oesophageal cancer or something less serious like an ulcer, but they put off going to the GP or struggle to get an appointment.

"Having the online referral form saves a lot of time and can get a patient into the system very quickly, so they can find out what’s causing their problem and get fast treatment.

"Thankfully, many patients’ symptoms won’t mean they have cancer, but for the few that do the new e-form will speed up their diagnosis and could lead to much improved outcomes."

The Westcliffe Group of practices includes the Westcliffe Medical Centre in Shipley, The Willows Medical Centre in Queensbury, Cowgill Surgery, and the Thornton and Denholme Medical Practice.