Almost two and a half thousand people have received “potentially life-saving” medical tests in just one month at Hull’s new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), according to Hull University Teaching Hospitals.
Since its opening on Albion Street in September, the £18 million facility has carried out 2,415 tests, including MRI and ultrasound scans, CT scans, and blood tests, helping patients in Hull to access vital diagnostics more quickly and easing pressure on hospital services.
Leah Stabler, General Manager of the CDC with NHS Humber Health Partnership, said that the centre was already fulfilling its purpose of speeding up access to essential diagnostic services.
She said: “It’s fantastic to see the CDC is already delivering what it was intended to, and that’s faster access to diagnostic tests.”
“We’ve been able to offer earlier appointments to thousands of patients in a central location, allowing hospital diagnostic services to focus on the more seriously unwell and hopefully helping to reduce some of the anxiety people can experience as they wait for tests too.”
Senior Sister Catherine Hellewell, leading the phlebotomy team, said the centre had become a “one-stop shop for many patients who need multiple tests.
She said: “Lots of people comment on the lovely building we have, how easy their journey was or how quickly they were booked in, and all this feedback helps to reassure us that we’re getting things right.”
A new pilot project with four Hull GP practices has also allowed patients to be referred directly to the CDC for blood tests, reducing waiting times and freeing up capacity in surgeries.
Catherine added, “The earlier the tests are carried out, the nearer people are to getting answers and either starting a treatment plan or being given peace of mind. “
The Hull CDC currently offers eight types of diagnostic tests, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, x-rays, ECGs, and lung function tests.
At full capacity, it is expected to perform up to 140,000 tests a year and has already created approximately 100 new jobs.
Patients referred for diagnostic tests are encouraged to ask their doctor or hospital booking team whether they can be referred to the CDC.
Leah said: “No patient wants to experience unnecessary delays and we know just how worrying waits can be, so do chat to your consultant or other health professional to see if tests at the CDC could help to speed up your diagnosis and any resulting treatment.”
Hull Community Diagnostic Centre can be contacted on 01482 624800.