Merseyside hospital leads the way with AI technology to detect skin cancer

A Liverpool hospital is one of the first in the UK to use artificial intelligence to help catch skin cancer earlier — and one Bootle man says it might have saved his life.

Peter Dewsbury, 55, had lived with a mark on his back for over 30 years, it never caused him any trouble until recently, when it suddenly started to bleed while he was driving, worried it could be skin cancer that change prompted him to visit his GP, who referred him for further checks.

Thanks to an innovative new programme at Broadgreen Hospital, part of the NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool (UHL) Group, Peter’s case was picked up quickly using advanced AI technology. The dermatology team there has partnered with Skin Analytics to use a tool called DERM (Deep Ensemble for Recognition of Malignancy), which scans and analyses high-resolution images of moles and skin lesions to assess the likelihood of cancer.

Peter was sent to a clinic where a special camera was used to take an image of the mark on his back. That image was then analysed by the AI system.

He said: “They rang me before I even got home, I was booked in to see a consultant two days later, and then for surgery. It was all really quick.”

A week after having the lesion removed, Peter was diagnosed with skin cancer. He has since had further surgery and ongoing treatment, but says the fast action from the team made all the difference.

“I can’t thank them enough,” he said. “They were brilliant throughout, and if this helps other people get checked sooner, then I’m proud to have been part of it.”

The AI tool is now being used across Merseyside to help clinicians prioritise patients who need urgent care. It’s already received conditional approval from NICE, the body that oversees NHS treatments, and will continue to be rolled out as more evidence is gathered.

Dr Richard Azurdia, Consultant Dermatologist at Broadgreen, explained how the system works.

“When someone is referred to us by their GP, they come to a photo hub where trained staff take detailed images of any suspicious lesions. These are then analysed by the AI tool, which helps us decide who needs to be seen quickly by a consultant.”

The technology supports the NHS’s Faster Diagnosis Standard, which aims to give patients a clear diagnosis within 28 days. By using DERM, the hospital is managing rising demand more efficiently while continuing to deliver the same high standards of care.

Dr Andrew Rose, Assistant Director of Innovation at UHL Group, said the results speak for themselves.

“This pathway allows us to direct patients to the right place more quickly,” he said. “It’s a great example of how AI can support the work of NHS staff and improve patient care.”

Skin Analytics’ Dr Dan Mullarkey added: “It’s been a fantastic partnership with UHL Group. Seeing the AI system making a real difference in people’s lives is what this work is all about.”

Peter, who works as a prison officer in Liverpool, is now back at work and continuing treatment — but says he’ll never forget how quickly the teams moved.

The NHS continues to urge people to check their skin regularly for any new or changing moles or marks. Look out for anything uneven in shape, multi-coloured, larger than 6mm, or evolving over time — and if you notice anything unusual, contact your GP.

Non-melanoma skin cancers are generally less serious but still need checking out. If you’re heading out in the sun, the advice is simple: wear high-factor sun cream, cover up, and avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm.