NHSX and BSTI have formed a joint partnership in order to create a national database of chest X-ray, CT and MRI images. This is to enable the validation and development of automated analysis technologies, and to accelerate research projects in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further to the creation of a database, NHSX can accelerate the adoption of technologies that may prove effective in supporting COVID-19 care pathways.

The decision to form a collective effort has been driven by the motivation to consolidate individual data collection activities that are happening across the country into a single National COVID-19 Chest Imaging Database (NCCID). This is to reduce duplication of effort at a time when efficiency is vital and ensure that solutions can be executed quickly and at scale.

We have worked hard to ensure that the data collection process creates the least disruption to clinical practice and requires the least amount of time and effort from an already heavily pressed workforce. Collaboration with this initiative now could potentially save lives in the future, and we would highly appreciate any support that can be offered.

If your centre would like to participate, please contact us on imaging@nhsx.nhs.uk

Login to submit Covid-19 patients data into the NHSX National COVID-19 Image Database