Work on a £19 million centre which aims to speed up health tests in north Cumbria is on schedule to open this summer.
The Clinical Diagnostic Centre in Workington will increase the range of tests available under one roof for patients across north Cumbria, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, plain film and physiological measurement capacity.
A Community Diagnostic Centre is not a walk-in centre, but instead provides a ‘one stop shop’ facility that will give a co-ordinated approach for planned diagnostic services.
Access to the facility will be through patients GP practices or as a result of patients attending, screening programmes and outpatient appointments.
Health bosses hope the new facility will reduce waiting times for diagnostic tests, leading to quicker diagnoses and ultimately start patients on treatment plans sooner.
Gemma Richardson lead radiographer for the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re thrilled with the progress, it’s looking great and we can’t wait to see all of the new equipment being delivered and installed in the coming weeks.
“A lot of work is happening behind the scenes to get it ready and fit for patients to start using. We hope the new facility will have a huge impact on the amount of time people are waiting for diagnostics, which is a massive benefit to our patients.”
Currently services are mainly delivered from Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary, the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven and via mobile units.
Work on the centre began in April last year. The single storey building, on land at the Central car park, has been designed with staff input, to get the maximum benefit from the space and ensure the build works primarily in the interest of patients and staff, with consulting rooms, quiet areas and outdoor spaces, the trust said.
