Countdown underway to opening of Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre as UHNM executives tour site

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust’s (UHNM) executive team have visited the Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) to see first-hand the progress being made ahead of its planned April opening.

The team toured the facility in Hanley where work is underway to create a £42.6 million community-based diagnostic hub designed to provide people with faster, more convenient access to essential diagnostic services. 

Patients will be able to access services including CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray and phlebotomy without the need to travel to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, helping to reduce waiting times and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

Located at the old Sainsbury’s site, the Stoke-on-Trent CDC is expected to deliver up to 85,000 checks and scans each year, increasing diagnostic capacity and helping with earlier diagnosis and quicker treatment decisions for patients.

Touring the site, Dr Simon Constable, chief executive, said: “Early diagnosis is vital to improving outcomes for our patients. The Stoke-on-Trent CDC puts high-quality diagnostic services right in the heart of the community, making it easier for people to access the tests they need without the need to attend a hospital site. This additional capacity will help us reduce waiting times and deliver care in a way that is more convenient and centred around our patients.”

Dr Ann-Marie Morris, deputy medical director, said: “This is a fantastic, purpose-built facility with state-of-the-art equipment that will provide an excellent environment for both patients and staff. Being based in the centre of Hanley means the service will be accessible, welcoming and much closer to where people live and work, which will make a real difference to the patient experience.”

Developments in January have included infection prevention testing of the sample room, delivery of CT scanners, the ordering of equipment and medicines, and further development of staff parking plans. 

Lorraine Whitehead, director of estates, facilities and PFI, said: “Every time I visit the site it has been further transformed. It has been fantastic to see the progress being made and how quickly the building is becoming a modern clinical facility. I would like to thank our estates and projects teams and our contractors, who have been working tirelessly, seven days a week, to ensure the centre is delivered on time.”

Deonne Lee, senior programme manager for strategy and information, said: “It has been great to show the executive team around the site and highlight the progress that has been made in recent weeks. The building has moved on significantly from being an empty shell and is now taking shape as a fully operational diagnostic centre that will soon be ready to welcome patients.”