9 October 2026

An innovative digital technology introduced at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust in 2018 to support patients with suspected heart disease has been recognised nationally for the impact it is having on patient care.

The Trust was named a finalist in the "Best Use of Digital for Improving Care Pathways" category at the Health Tech Newspaper Awards (HTN) 2026, which celebrate teams, programmes and innovations that are making a real difference to healthcare.

The project has transformed how patients with suspected coronary heart disease are assessed and treated, reducing waiting times for elective procedures, improving patient experience and delivering financial savings of around £34,000 every month.

The technology, called Heartflow Analysis, is a non-invasive, AI-powered tool that uses CT scan images to create a personalised 3D model of a patient's coronary arteries. Clinicians can use this digital model to determine whether narrowed arteries are restricting blood flow to the heart, helping them make informed decisions about the most appropriate treatment while reducing the need for unnecessary invasive procedures.

The approach has been developed through close collaboration between cardiology, radiology, cardiac physiology, operational and digital teams.

Previously, patients with potential coronary heart disease would undergo a CT scan and, if narrowing or blocked arteries were suspected, many would then require an invasive angiogram. This involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel and injecting dye so that x-ray images can be taken of the heart's arteries.

With Heartflow, many patients can now receive a more detailed assessment without the need for invasive testing. In some cases, patients can then be managed through medication and lifestyle changes alone, avoiding unnecessary procedures while still receiving timely and appropriate care.

To support the new pathway, the Trust also introduced a consultant and specialist nurse-led triage process. This means patients found to have moderate narrowing during their initial CT coronary angiogram are automatically referred for further Heartflow analysis, ensuring they receive the right test at the right time.

The benefits for patients have been significant, with elective procedure waiting times reducing from six months to six weeks. By reducing the need for invasive diagnostic procedures, the Trust has been able to free up catheter laboratory capacity, enabling teams to focus more on treatment and helping patients access care more quickly.

Dr Peter Haworth, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said, “Technology and innovation are such important parts of improving not just our ability to diagnosis and treat our patients, but also reduce the time they are waiting. As a team, we are incredibly proud of the work we have been doing with Heartflow and pleased to see the positive impact it is having recognised by the HTN Awards.”

Dr. Campbell Rogers, Chief Medical Officer at Heartflow, Inc., said, “We’re delighted to see Dr Peter Haworth and his team recognised with this nomination for the HTN Award for Best Use of Digital for Improved Care Pathways. Their work exemplifies how thoughtful adoption of advanced imaging and Heartflow’s AI-powered technology can drive meaningful change in clinical practice. The team’s commitment to both introducing new technology and evaluating its impact in their practice is commendable. By auditing their pathway and identifying the associated benefits, efficiencies, and cost savings, they have built an evidence base to support sustainable digital adoption. We congratulate Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the continued impact of their work.”