Landmark for Fife’s pioneering cancer diagnosis service at the Vic
A pioneering cancer service in Fife has reached a landmark after supporting more than 5000 patient referrals since launching in 2021.
The milestone was reached by NHS Fife’s Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service (RCDS) - one of Scotland’s first pilot services.
It was established to provide a fast-track, nurse-led diagnostic pathway for people presenting with non-specific symptoms that could indicate cancer, but do not meet traditional urgent suspected cancer referral criteria.
Since its launch, the RCDS has become an established part of NHS Fife’s cancer diagnostic services, helping to improve patient experience, support earlier diagnosis and provide reassurance for people with vague but concerning symptoms. The service offers co-ordinated assessment, rapid access to diagnostic investigations and a single point of contact throughout a patient's diagnostic journey.
Patients are referred to the service by healthcare professionals when symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, appetite loss, unexplained pain or abnormal blood test results raise concerns that require further investigation. The pathway provides rapid access to diagnostic tests, including CT and MRI scanning where appropriate, helping to rule out cancer or identify other significant conditions as quickly as possible.
It is based at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy and works closely with GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and hospital teams across Fife. Most patients referred to it will not have cancer, and one of the team's key aims is to provide reassurance and identify alternative diagnoses as quickly as possible when cancer can be ruled out.
Georgia Gavin, interim lead advanced clinical nurse specialist,said: “For many patients, the most difficult part of the diagnostic journey is the uncertainty. The RCDS was designed to reduce that uncertainty by ensuring people have a clear pathway, prompt access to investigations and a dedicated team to support them.
“By co-ordinating care, improving communication and helping patients navigate what can be a very anxious time, we can ensure people get the answers they need sooner and are referred quickly to the right services for ongoing care and support.”
The RCDS has helped significant numbers of patients to receive timely investigations, including earlier cancer diagnoses and the identification of significant non-cancer conditions requiring treatment or ongoing care.
Claire Dobson, NHS Fife’s director of acute services, added: “Reaching 5000 referrals is a significant milestone for the team and reflects how the service has evolved.
“Many of the patients referred to the RCDS are experiencing symptoms that are worrying but do not clearly fit into a specific cancer pathway. The RCDS helps ensure those patients are assessed quickly, supported throughout the process and directed to the most appropriate care. We are incredibly proud of the difference the service has made for patients.”