New PACS Viewer integration marks a major milestone in digital health innovation
Greater Manchester Imaging Network is delighted to announce that from the week commencing 14th July, healthcare professionals across the region will be able to access radiology images directly through the Greater Manchester Care Record (GMCR).
This first phase of the GM PACS Viewer project means that clinicians – whether in hospitals, GP practices, or community settings – will be able to view a patient’s full list of radiology images within the GMCR, powered by Graphnet Health. The new functionality streamlines access to vital imaging, helping to reduce delays in diagnosis, improve care coordination, and enhance the overall patient experience.
The development forms part of Greater Manchester’s wider ambition to deliver digitally enabled, integrated care – supporting the ‘Neighbourhood Health Service’ strategy that aims to move more care into community and neighbourhood settings, while empowering clinicians with the tools they need to intervene earlier and more effectively.
“The GMCR is now a central part of how we deliver safer, faster, and more joined-up care across our region,” said Malcolm Whitehouse, Chief Digital Information Officer at NHS Greater Manchester
“Making radiology images accessible in real time is a huge step forward for clinical decision-making. It’s a clear example of how smart digital infrastructure can improve outcomes, reduce duplication, and create real value for both patients and the health system.
“This capability will also support our neighbourhood teams – including GPs, community services, and urgent care professionals – by giving them access to vital information without needing to wait for hospital systems or paper records. That’s exactly the kind of innovation that will help make the Neighbourhood Health Service a reality.”
Building on Proven Impact
The GM Care Record continues to grow in scale and value. According to the 2024 Innovation Impact Report by Health Innovation Manchester:
- Clinicians now view more than 380,000 patient records each month (June 2025) via the GM Care Record, a 36% increase from June 2024.
- Based on current usage the GM Care Record is estimated to provide over £15m per annum productivity benefit due to clinical time saved
- Critical care plans, including those for frailty, dementia, and end-of-life care, are now live in the region
- Almost 20,000 patients have been identified through the GMCR as eligible for novel cholesterol-lowering therapies
The PACS Viewer project builds on this momentum by further integrating essential clinical data and eliminating the need to switch between systems to access imaging. This enhanced access is expected to benefit hospital specialists, neighbourhood care teams, and primary care clinicians alike, reinforcing a more connected, patient-centred model of care.
Key Benefits:
- Faster turnaround times, reducing diagnostic delays
- Streamlined workflows, with one-click access to images via the GMCR
- Improved continuity of care across community and hospital services
- Richer clinical context by viewing images alongside other patient data
The new viewer has undergone extensive testing to ensure it meets clinical and operational requirements. A second phase, launching later this year, will go further by allowing access to detailed radiology reports and metadata within the GMCR itself.
Clinicians are encouraged to explore the new functionality using the user guide and webinar series designed to support the transition.
For further information or technical support, please contact the support team at nhsgm.gmcrproductteam@nhs.net.
