Work has begun to build a £19 million community diagnostic centre in Workington.
The centre will be located next to Cumberland Council’s government funded Innovation Hub which is also under development in Central Way.
Graham is the principal construction contractor for the development which is expected to open to patients in spring 2025.
Referrals to diagnostic services in north Cumbria have doubled over the past three years which has led to longer waiting times.
The team at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust has worked to reduce waiting times by providing temporary mobile units at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital but the new centre will provide a more permanent solution, the trust said.
MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound scanning and consultation facilities will be available.
Faster diagnostics is key to diagnosing a range of conditions, including cancer, as early as possible, the trust said. If a patient needs more than one type of scan, the centre will aim to provide them in one visit to reduce travelling and waiting times for diagnoses, it added.
Dr Madhu Varma, clinical director of speciality medicine and consultant cardiologist, said: “We are all delighted that work has now started to build the new centre.
“Our teams have been working hard to recover from the long-lasting impact that COVID-19 had on our waiting lists and are we are making good progress. By providing more diagnostics, this will help with quicker diagnoses of a range of conditions.”
Allerdale Borough Council had previously supported the development with land allocation and this support is now continuing through Cumberland Council.
Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer said: “We are delighted to support this project and our officers have been working closely with the NCIC team to ensure a collaborative approach to both developments. All the plans are great news for Workington and Cumberland as a whole.”
Peter Reavey, regional director at Graham, added: “We are delighted to be building the new centre, providing patients in West Cumbria with access to diagnostic care closer to home.”
The foundations of the new building have been laid. It is hoped it will open by summer 2025.
Dr Varma added: “When determining the location for the centre, we considered population demand and health needs as well as travel distance and access. Workington town centre is the ideal location for it and is accessible via public transport. Being next to Cumberland Council’s Innovation Hub also presents excellent opportunities to work in partnership.
“With phase two of the redevelopment of West Cumberland Hospital due to complete this summer, this is another fantastic investment in health services in the county.”
