UHNM welcomes first endoscopy patients to Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre
Thousands of people across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire waiting for vital diagnostic tests for possible bowel and digestive conditions are set to benefit from faster, more convenient care following the opening of a new specialist diagnostic unit at the Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC).
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has welcomed its first patients to the new facility, which provides endoscopy procedures.
Endoscopy is a test that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the digestive system and help doctors investigate symptoms, diagnose conditions and detect diseases such as bowel cancer at an early stage.
By bringing these specialist tests closer to where people live, patients will be able to access appointments in a community setting, reducing the need to travel to busy hospital sites while helping UHNM increase diagnostic capacity and reduce waiting times.
Michael Buttress, 84 from Blythe Bridge was the first patient to undergo a diagnostic procedure.
The former builder from Blythe Bridge, said: “The new unit is modern, clean and welcoming and the whole experience has been very straightforward. It’s reassuring to be able to have my tests done just 10 minutes from home.”
The opening of the unit follows the official launch of the CDC in May which is expected to provide around 180,000 additional tests and scans every year for people across Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and surrounding areas.
Jane Elliott, endoscopy unit manager, said: “Early detection and diagnosis is vitally important to give our patients the best possible outcomes, and this new unit will help us to offer quicker screening access to thousands of patients.
“From checking in at reception patients are supported by the team through each stage of their appointment. They are prepared for their procedure, seen by specialist staff in one of the unit’s dedicated procedure rooms, and then cared for in recovery before being discharged home.
“Welcoming our first patients is a really proud moment for everyone involved, as there has been a huge amount of work behind the scenes to get us ready.
"We’ve designed the service around the patient experience, with everything in one place and we want people to feel welcomed, comfortable and reassured from the moment they arrive."
The unit is made up of 40 staff including specialist nurse endoscopists, nurses, healthcare support workers reception staff and decontamination teams with further care provided at Royal Stoke or County hospital, Stafford when further tests or treatment are needed.
Katherine Hawley, assistant programme manager, said: “The additional capacity provided by the unit will help us see more patients, reduce waiting times and support people to access the diagnostic tests they need sooner, helping them get answers more quickly.”