Rapid Diagnosis Team giving swift responses to concerned patients
21.10.2026
One of the stresses of having an undiagnosed condition is the ‘not knowing’. That’s why the work of a dedicated team is being praised by two women who have used the Rapid Diagnosis Clinic (RDC).
The half-day clinic checks patients who present to primary care with vague symptoms and whose GP suspects there is a cancer risk. The majority of patients visiting RDCs across our three acute hospital sites will have a CT scan on their thorax, abdomen and pelvis. In Glan Clwyd Hospital the neck is also scanned.
Around 50% of patients diagnosed with cancer have these vague symptoms. These can include weight loss, appetite loss, non-specific abdominal pain and fatigue. Only around seven percent of referrals to the RDC are diagnosed with cancer. The stress of not knowing what is wrong is the same for everyone.
Rapid Diagnosis Clinic clinical nurse specialist Nicky Grayston said: “Early cancer diagnosis is crucial, but the RDC offers so much more than that. Our patients tell us how the speedy service gives reassurance and reduces prolonged stress, strain, upset and worry when diagnosed with cancer. If it isn’t cancer, that reassurance is also really appreciated.”
Fay Corfe, from St Asaph (pictured above left with her husband Michael), is full of praise for the service. She was referred to the RDC after unexplained weight loss, following a long history of thyroid cancer and other health conditions.
“I had some preparation beforehand because I was having a CT scan,” she said. “So, we went to the hospital and we were greeted by Nikki Grayston (RDC clinical nurse specialist) almost immediately. I had my CT scan on the same day.”
Fay’s husband, Michael, went with her and explained how they had taken a picnic to eat in the car while they waited. They had been told to bring a snack as they would be there for some time.
“After that, we came back in and I went in to see the doctor for a thorough examination and a thorough breakdown of what they found on the CT. From start to finish, it was marvellous, it really was. They were so incredibly courteous, communicative, professional.”
While the results were inconclusive, Fay said they ruled out any other cancers and booked her in for a colonoscopy just to be on the safe side. She heard from a consultant soon after her RDC visit.
“I was apprehensive going there,” she revealed. “I mean, my blood pressure shot up and they wouldn't let us go until it came down. There's a certain apprehensiveness when you don't quite know. It was reassuring insofar as I knew a lot of the things that were happening. It was that reassurance that there was nothing else going on.”
Another patient who is full of praise for the service is June Howatson, from Denbigh (pictured above right). She had been living with Barrett’s Oesaphagus. That is a condition which produces cell abnormalities in the lining of the throat and, in a small percentage of cases, can develop into oesophageal cancer.
After a medication review last November with her GP, she gave some blood for testing. She was asked to submit for more blood tests, the results of which concerned her GP. Despite not showing any adverse symptoms he referred June to the RDC on December 7 two days later she was invited into the clinic for a chest x-ray.
June had a series of tests and was then invited for a CT scan in January. On the same day, while she was speaking to a doctor, the results came through and all was fine.
It was a relief for June, who said: “I was amazed. It happened so quickly. It was brilliant. And the nurses were great.
“Even the receptionist there, who was finishing her night shift, had plenty of time to talk to us. She was really lovely. You’re worried because of all the results and what’s going to come of things but I’ve been one of the lucky ones I think – up to now.”
June will have more tests but at least she has the peace of mind of knowing there wasn’t a cancer diagnosis.
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