| Reference | FOI2026/1910 |
|---|---|
| Description | Direct Access Tests (DATs) are commissioned and provided across ICBs in England |
| Date Requested | 22/07/2026 |
| Date Replied | 14/08/2026 |
| Category | Data, Insight & Intelligence |
We are seeking to understand how Direct Access Tests (DATs) are commissioned and provided across ICBs in England. The project aims to generate insights for policymakers, commissioners, and clinicians to support the effective and equitable use of DATs in primary care and improve early cancer detection.
We recognise that some ICB structures have been undergoing changes over recent years and that commissioning arrangements may differ across areas. For the purposes of this exercise, we are primarily interested in responses based on the ICB boundaries that were in place in financial year 2024/25. If your organisation has clustered or merged since 2024/25, please provide separate responses for the former ICBs within your footprint. However, if your organisation had already moved to single commissioning across a clustered ICB footprint by 2024/25, we would be grateful if you could provide a single response on behalf of the cluster.
We anticipate that our findings may be published in academic journals, presented at scientific conferences, and disseminated through lay-language formats (e.g., blogs on our institutional website). Cancer Research UK may also use our findings to inform policy briefs and other communications.
To support with the online survey submitted by NHS GM, please note that the only dataset with sufficient granularity to analyse diagnostic activity by patient referral source and urgency is the Greater Manchester Diagnostic Imaging Data Set (GMDIDS). However, this data is unvalidated and only covers a small number of the tests that are being requested in the DAT template. Another major caveat is that the GMDIDS data for one provider does not include patient referral source, such as GP Direct Access or urgency coding. This is due to the provider being on a different Radiology Information System (RIS), so it is not possible to include their activity in the aggregates.
As the data is unvalidated there are data quality issues associated with the referral source labelling and activity counting. Endoscopy is not covered by GMDIDS and the Diagnostic Waiting Times and Activity (DM01) data does not break down by referral source or urgency, so the information cannot be provided. No data is available on the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) testing, that might be able to indicate the number of direct access tests requested.
Based on these limitations, you may wish to contact the providers listed below, to directly obtain the level of information requested. I have attached below a link to their websites. However, please note that the FOI Act regulations apply different to organisations, which are not public bodies. This is explained by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO): What is the FOI Act and are we covered? | ICO
Please also find below links for provider NHS Foundation Trusts within Greater Manchester websites with information about how to make a Freedom of Information request, to assist you.
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust – Freedom of information – Bolton NHS FT (boltonft.nhs.uk)
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust – Freedom of Information Requests :: Northern Care Alliance
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust – Freedom of Information – Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (mft.nhs.uk)
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust – Freedom of information – Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust – Freedom of Information Requests :: Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care (tamesideandglossopicft.nhs…
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – WWL Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | FOI Disclosure Log
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust – Freedom of information disclosure logs (christie.nhs.uk)
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust – Freedom of Information :: Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust – Freedom of Information | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT (gmmh.nhs.uk)
