Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has become the first NHS trust in the country to introduce an artificial intelligence-enabled HER2 tissue scanning system into clinical practice, helping to speed up breast cancer diagnosis and treatment decisions for patients.
The pioneering technology, funded through a successful fundraising campaign by Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity, is set to transform how breast cancer tissue samples are analysed at Harrogate District Hospital.
More than £40,000 was raised through HHCC's 30th birthday campaign, enabling the Histopathology Department to purchase the state-of-the-art Roche scanner. The system captures high-resolution digital images of breast cancer tissue samples and uses advanced AI technology to support pathologists in assessing HER2 status, a key marker used to determine whether patients could benefit from targeted cancer therapies.
The AI-assisted system identifies the presence of the HER2/neu gene in tissue samples, allowing pathologists to review cases more efficiently while maintaining full clinical oversight throughout the diagnostic process.
By accelerating the turnaround of test results, patients can begin treatment sooner, reducing waiting times and easing anxiety during an already challenging period. Faster diagnosis and earlier access to personalised treatment can also contribute to improved clinical outcomes.
The investment places patients across Harrogate and the surrounding region among the first in the UK to benefit from this innovative approach to cancer diagnostics.
The development is part of a wider programme of digital innovation across HDFT, where AI technologies are already supporting clinicians in several specialties. Existing applications include software that helps speed up fracture diagnosis and improves the efficiency and accuracy of chest X-ray reporting, particularly in cases involving suspected lung cancer.
Philippa Bleasdale, Histology Section Manager said:
“It was wonderful to see the scanner and AI software being installed in the department after all the efforts of HHCC and the Histopathology team.
“This project has been a labour of love and will make a real difference for patients by delivering results more quickly and supporting faster treatment decisions.
“Whilst this technology will initially be used to improve the pathway for breast cancer patients, in the future it is hoped it can be used to assist with the interpretation of other biomarkers for different cancers, such as lung cancer.
“I would like to thank everyone who has worked on this campaign and to all our generous donors, who have made it possible.”
Looking ahead, the trust hopes the technology could be expanded to support the diagnosis and interpretation of biomarkers associated with other forms of cancer, including lung cancer, further strengthening the role of AI in pathology services.
HHCC leaders praised the fundraising efforts that made the project possible, highlighting the direct impact charitable donations can have on patient care.
Yvonne Campbell, Head of Charity at HDFT, said:
“We are delighted to be able to support the Histopathology Department with this incredible piece of diagnostic equipment enabling earlier diagnosis and onset of treatment for patients at Harrogate District Hospital.
“This has only been possible through the generosity of our donors and supporters, who got behind our 30th Birthday Campaign and helped us raise more than £40,000 for this groundbreaking technology.
“Our mission is to enhance healthcare for our patients, families and communities, being able to provide cutting edge technology closer to homes and improving the outcomes for those who access our services.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive every day from patients, their families and the wider community. Without that support, projects like this would not be possible.”
The introduction of AI-powered pathology technology reinforces HDFT's commitment to innovation and demonstrates how charitable funding can help accelerate access to cutting-edge healthcare solutions for local communities.
Image credit: iStock
