Monday 03 November 2025
Internal Reference Number: FOI_8841
Date Request Received: 11/08/2025 00:00:00
Date Request Replied To: 08/09/2025 00:00:00
This response was sent via: By Email
Request Summary: Radiology PACS Information Request
Request Category: Private Individuals
| Question Number 1: I am submitting this Freedom of Information request to obtain details regarding the NHS Organisation’s Radiology Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), associated diagnostic reporting processes, and departmental statistics. Please Note: Definitions of each solution type are provided at the bottom of this request. ***** PACS – Information Request ***** • Who is the current supplier of the NHS Organisation’s PACS solution? • What is the name of the current PACS system in use? • When did the current PACS contract commence? • When is the current PACS contract due to expire? • Are there any contract extensions available under the current agreement? • What is the total value of the current PACS contract? • When is the next anticipated year of public procurement? • Is the NHS Organisation’s PACS part of a wider centralised radiology network (e.g. national solution or multi-NHS Organisation collaborative)? If so, can you please provide the name/identity of the collaborative solution? | |
| Answer To Question 1: 1. Who is the current supplier of the NHS Organisation’s PACS solution: Sectra 2. What is the name of the current PACS system in use: Sectra 3. When did the current PACS contract commence: March 2023 4. When is the current PACS contract due to expire: April 2028 5. Are there any contract extensions available under the current agreement: No 6. What is the total value of the current PACS contract: £271,623 7. When is the next anticipated year of public procurement: 2028 8. Is the NHS Organisation’s PACS part of a wider centralised radiology network (e.g. national solution or multi-NHS Organisation collaborative)? If so, can you please provide the name/identity of the collaborative solution: SWASH consortium | |
| Question Number 2: ***** Diagnostic Reporting ***** • Is Radiology Diagnostic Reporting performed within the Radiology Information System (RIS), the NHS Organisation’s Electronic Patient Record (EPR), or the PACS solution? ***** Definitions ***** Radiology Information System (RIS) A RIS is a specialised software system designed to manage the workflow and operations of a radiology department. It supports scheduling of imaging appointments, tracking of radiology imaging orders, storing and distributing reports, and managing patient data. RIS is often integrated with PACS and Electronic Patient Records (EPR) to ensure efficient and accurate diagnostic imaging services. Diagnostic Reporting in Radiology Diagnostic reporting in radiology refers to the process by which radiologists interpret medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, and generate structured clinical reports detailing their findings. These reports provide essential information for diagnosing conditions, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring patient progress. Diagnostic reporting is typically supported by RIS and PACS systems, ensuring timely access, secure storage, and efficient communication of imaging results across clinical teams. | |
| Answer To Question 2: Within the RIS | |
| Question Number 3: ***** PACS – Archive Stats ***** • What is the total number of radiology studies currently stored in the PACS archive? Picture Archive Communications System (PACS) A PACS is a medical imaging technology used for storing, retrieving, presenting, and sharing images produced by various radiology modalities such as X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound. It eliminates the need for physical film and enables secure, digital access to images and reports across departments and locations. PACS is typically integrated with RIS and Electronic Patient Records (EPR), supporting efficient diagnostic workflows and timely clinical decision-making. | |
| Answer To Question 3: There are 3,543,408 exams in the archive | |
| Question Number 4: ***** NHS Organisations Departmental Statistics***** • How many radiology studies are undertaken by the NHS Organisation per annum? • How many radiology studies are distributed via the Sectra Image Exchange Portal (IEP) annually? Image Exchange Portal (IEP) The Image Exchange Portal (IEP) is a secure platform used by NHS Organisations to share radiology images and reports electronically between NHS Organisations and other healthcare providers. It facilitates timely access to imaging data for clinical consultations, second opinions, and patient transfers, reducing the need for repeat scans and improving continuity of care. | |
| Answer To Question 4: Please see the response in the attached To accompany this answer to question 4 please also see the documents listed below:  FOI 8841 - response to Q4.pdf | |
| Please see Attachments: | |
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Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
