West Middlesex University Hospital launches autonomous AI technology to speed up life-saving skin cancer checks

West Middlesex University Hospital has now launched its AI-driven autonomous skin cancer pathway, which is able to discharge patients with benign lesions and moles without input from a dermatologist.

DERM, the only AI medical device approved to make clinical decisions in cancer care, uses advanced dermoscopic imaging to analyse magnified images of skin lesions. It performs to a high standard, detecting skin cancer with 97% effectiveness and ruling out melanoma with 99.96% accuracy—comparable to dermatologist performance.

The AI-driven teledermatology pathway is helping patients at the Trust get faster results, often with same-day reassurance when results are benign, reducing stress and uncertainty. It also means fewer unnecessary hospital visits and quicker access to care for those who need it most.

The Trust first partnered with Skin Analytics in 2022 to introduce DERM at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, where it has since assessed over 10,000 patients and become standard practice. Now expanded to West Middlesex, the service is helping doctors prioritise patients more effectively.

The AI-driven pathway allows over 95% of patients on the urgent cancer pathway to avoid face-to-face appointments, when they receive a benign result. With a 75% reduction in clinician processing time, more patients can be seen sooner—supporting earlier detection, faster treatment, and better outcomes.

The Trust continues to lead nationally in AI adoption in dermatology, shaping guidance and setting a blueprint for sustainable, high-impact use of autonomous technology across healthcare systems worldwide. Since inception, the rollout of the Trust’s teledermatology service has been supported by the CW Innovation programme, which is led jointly by the Trust and its charity CW+, and looks for ideas and innovations that support the everyday care of patients.

What does this mean for patients?

After a patient who is worried about a mole or skin lesion has been referred on the urgent suspected skin cancer pathway by their GP, they will be contacted with details of an imaging appointment. Prior to the appointment, the patient will be notified to fill out a medical history questionnaire.

At the appointment, the patient’s medical history is confirmed and images of their suspicious mole or skin lesion are captured.

Following DERM’s assessment, the patient’s case will be directed to the right level of care.

1. If a patient requires further care or investigation with a Dermatologist, they will hear from the Trust shortly after the appointment detailing next steps.
2. If a patient is discharged back to the care of their GP they will receive a letter within 2 weeks, with advice about how to monitor their skin