The new Community Diagnostic Centre in Workington opens its doors to its first patients today. The new centre is set to improve access to a range of diagnostic tests, bringing healthcare closer to home.
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust revealed plans for the project last year with the finished build being handed over by building contractor GRAHAM earlier this month.
Teams have been busy behind the scenes to get the building operational and ready to welcome patients and staff to the state of the art centre. Services include MRI, CT, X-Ray, Ultrasound, Echocardiogram and Lung Function Testing.
Thousands of people can now receive these tests away from busy hospital sites.
Last week the Trust held an open day to offer a sneak peek ahead of the opening. Speaking at the opening, Imran Devji, Executive Chief Operating Officer at NCIC said:
“The new centre is an excellent example of the Government’s recently announced ten year plan, which prioritises moving care from hospitals to local communities and preventing illness, not just treating it. The centre will be a major step forward in improving access to diagnostics for people across North Cumbria, supporting faster treatment and better outcomes. Getting people diagnosed and treated quicker is absolutely crucial to a patient’s long term health outcomes, the CDC is pivotal in delivering this.”
Gemma Richardson, Deputy General Manager for Radiology said:
“This was a proud moment for our staff and our community. The open day gave colleagues the chance to see the progress first-hand and contribute their expertise to a project that will benefit thousands of local people.”
The CDC is located in the heart of Workington town centre, making it easily accessible and works to support health inequalities and giving local people much easier access outside of hospital settings.
Patients will be referred to the CDC for tests by their GP or specialists and will focus on planned care, which will free up diagnostic testing at the Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital sites for more urgent care.
Imran added:
“We’re really proud to be opening this centre and believe it will have a hugely positive impact on the patients and communities we serve.”
