Digital skin triage programme streamlines care and improves patient outcomes on urgent cancer pathways.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is spearheading a world-first in autonomous digital dermatology by deploying artificial intelligence to accurately identify benign skin lesions – without the need for consultant review.
At the heart of the Trust’s innovation is an AI tool known as DERM, developed by Skin Analytics, and currently the only AI medical device approved to make clinical decisions in cancer care. The pioneering approach is already reducing patient anxiety and accelerating access to care by enabling same-day discharge for those whose skin conditions are non-cancerous.
Capable of analysing high-resolution dermoscopic images captured using a specialised camera, DERM can detect malignant, pre-cancerous, and benign lesions with dermatologist-level accuracy. It boasts 97% effectiveness in identifying skin cancer and an exceptional 99.96% performance in ruling out melanoma.
The AI-powered service is integrated into the Trust’s teledermatology pathway and aims to transform patient flow by autonomously identifying and discharging benign cases. It could free up more than 30% of appointments in the suspected skin cancer pathway, easing pressure on dermatology services and improving access for patients with inflammatory conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Supported by the CW Innovation programme – led in partnership with the Trust’s charity CW+ – the service is a flagship example of digital transformation in action. The programme seeks out and embeds scalable innovations that enhance everyday care and support operational efficiency.
Roger Chinn, chief medical officer at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Waiting for a hospital appointment and diagnosis can be an anxious time, especially when there are concerns about a mole or skin lesion.
“This is a big step forward in diagnosing and treating skin cancer more efficiently. It means that dermatologists have more time to focus on urgent cases, helping to save lives and improve the patient experience.”
This marks a significant stride in the application of AI for diagnostic support and decision intelligence – one of the key areas of focus in NHS digital transformation. By reimagining clinical pathways through trusted technologies, Chelsea and Westminster is helping to set a blueprint for smarter, more scalable models of care across the NHS.
For healthcare leaders exploring digital transformation, this case demonstrates the tangible benefits of AI when applied thoughtfully: better patient outcomes, more efficient use of clinical time, and the kind of innovation that brings lasting impact.