18 August 2026
The team leading a pioneering cancer trial, which has reduced waiting times for patients whilst developing a new test, has been shortlisted for a national award.
The Research & Innovation 
team at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), working alongside Origin Sciences, has been recognised for the TRIOMIC cancer trial.
As part of the trial, the team redesigned the colorectal urgent suspected cancer (USC) pathway to be delivered in the Community Diagnostic Centre at Telford.
They have been announced as a finalist in the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards 2026 in the Modernising Diagnostics category, which recognises teams that have successfully modernised diagnostic services whether by improving pathways, redesigning workflows or strengthening collaboration across trusts and networks.
Over 2,000 patients have taken part in the £2 million trial – the first of its kind in the UK – which is developing a new test to detect colorectal cancer and high-risk polyps.
Origin Sciences, a medical technology company, invested in three new clinic rooms at the CDC in Stafford Park last year and nearly all colorectal patients on the USC pathway are seen at the clinics, whether they are taking part in the study or not.
This means that more patients can now be seen with 150 appointments per week and away from a hospital setting.
Since the trial started in October 2024, the average number of days for a colorectal patient to be seen at their first outpatient appointment on the USC pathway has fallen from 14 days to four in July this year.
Jon Lacy-Colson, a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Chief Investigator for the trial, said: “To be shortlisted for this prestigious award is fantastic. Working alongside Origin Sciences on this trial has made so much difference to the experience of our patients who are being seen sooner during what can be a very difficult time.”
Ned Hobbs, Group Chief Operating Officer, said: “I am delighted that the cancer trial team has been shortlisted for this prestigious award.
“The Urgent Suspected Cancer pathway for colorectal cancer has been transformed at the CDC due to the work of the team and Origin Sciences. It is fantastic to see their dedication to improving patient care through innovation being recognised.”
Hugo Lywood, CEO of Origin Sciences said: “We are honoured our trial in partnership with SaTH has been shortlisted by the HSJ Modernising Diagnostics Award. Recognition from the HSJ is another testament to OriCol™ Test’s potential to transform bowel cancer diagnostics for the NHS.
“While OriCol™ does not replace colonoscopy, its ability to reliably detect polyps and advanced adenomas, the precursors to colorectal cancer, has the potential to transform bowel cancer screening from a model of cancer detection to one of true prevention.
“We are grateful to the SaTH team, and the thousands of patients who have made this innovation possible.”
The winners will be announced at the HSJ Awards ceremony on Thursday 19 November 2026. The awards judging panel was made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community, as well as a range of esteemed board level executives from NHS Trusts across the UK.