Radiology productivity software at Southend University Hospital is shortlisted for HSJ award
Software developed by radiology technology company Hexarad to boost diagnostic services at Southend University Hospital, part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, has been shortlisted for the 2025 HSJ (Health Service Journal) Independent Healthcare Provider Awards. Productivity gains resulted in a £153,000 cost saving per year on an ongoing basis; this is equivalent to two full-time consultant radiologist salaries, Hexarad says. “These results
suggest that wider uptake of software like OptiRad across the NHS could result in huge productivity gains.”
A 12-month assessment showed that the OptiRad tool increased reporting output of the department by 12.1 per cent, the company reports, and turnaround times were reduced by 18 per cent.
Deputy director of operations, radiology, at Mid and South Essex University Hospitals Group and East of England regional lead radiographer Darren Taylor said: “We have been working closely with Hexarad to implement its OptiRad software at Southend hospital and have seen fantastic results so far. It is refreshing to work with a teleradiology company that is actually reducing our outsourcing spend.
“At a time when the NHS is seeing soaring demand for radiology services, and trusts across the country are struggling to meet demand, using OptiRad has supported reducing our outsourcing costs.”
OptiRad optimises the utilisation of existing resources and reduces dependence on outsourcing and insourcing to improve resource management, reporting capacity and operational efficiency.
Hexarad CCO Dr Amy Davis said: “As the demand for radiology services continues to grow, the successful implementation of OptiRad at Southend hospital serves as a blueprint for other healthcare institutions seeking to enhance their radiology services and improve overall operational efficiency. We are seeing similar results in hospitals that have implemented OptiRad across the UK, as well as increasing interest from international healthcare systems, and so it is fantastic that it is being recognised by the HSJ Awards.”
Picture: OptiRad is designed to address the escalating demand for radiology services.
Read this report on page 3 of the February 2025 issue of RAD Magazine.
