A state-of-the-art Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) is set to open in Weston-super-Mare at the Healthy Living Centre on the Bournville Estate this April. Developed under a partnership between InHealth and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), the center aims to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions, including cancer, heart, and lung disease. It will operate alongside mobile units providing CT and MRI scanning, bolstering diagnostic capacity, reducing waiting lists, and offering local care.
Representing the first of its kind in the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) area, the Weston facility forms part of a larger plan to establish fixed CDCs across the south west by 2024, with interim mobile services to meet patient demand during construction.
In addition to CT and MRI scanning, the CDC will offer radiology imaging, as well as cardiac and respiratory physiology tests, providing comprehensive support for diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of conditions. Access to these services will be granted via referrals from GPs or clinicians.
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Paula Clarke, executive managing director at UHBW, emphasized the vital role of local access to these tests in improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities.
Funded by NHS England, the new centre is expected to accommodate thousands of patients annually, offering diverse diagnostic tests away from the congestion of traditional hospital sites. InHealth, the appointed bidder, will oversee staffing and building ownership, signaling a significant step in expanding healthcare models in the region.
Geoff Searle, CEO of InHealth, highlighted the benefits the CDC will bring to the local population, underscoring the positive impact on health outcomes and service accessibility.
Aligned with a national initiative to alleviate the strain left by the COVID-19 pandemic, this development is part of a £2.3 billion investment, aimed at establishing up to 160 CDCs by 2025, providing an estimated 9 million additional tests annually nationwide.