Centre welcomes patients
The first phase of the development of a new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at North Cambs Hospital, in Wisbech, has opened its doors to provide easier access and quicker diagnoses to local people and communities.
The new facilities provide mobile CT and MRI scanners, and are open for 12 hours a day, seven days a week for the thousands of patients in Wisbech and nearby who need quicker access to tests and checks. The units will also help reduce the number of outpatient referrals and attendances to the hospital.
Jan Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, part of the Integrated Care System, said: “We are very proud to launch the first part of our Community Diagnostic at North Cambs Hospital. This is an important step forward in providing local people with access to vital services closer to their home. Our CT and MRI scanning units will help give local people faster access to scans and receive their results quicker than ever before; making a positive difference to the way people in Wisbech receive their care.”
Matthew Winn, Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, said: “The redevelopment that is happening at North Cambridgeshire Hospital will ensure ever more services are provided in this dearly loved local centre. The Community Diagnostic facilities are a fantastic addition to the other local health services provided on the site.”
Dr John Firth, Deputy Medical Director at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The new Community Diagnostic Centre in Wisbech brings state-of-the-art diagnostic services closer to people’s homes. It will play a vital role in helping to diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and stroke more quickly, so that people can get the care they need when they need it.”
In autumn 2023, the scanners will form part of the new Wisbech Community Diagnostic Centre where people will be able to have multiple tests on the same day and in the same place. Once complete, the centre will play a crucial role in speeding up the diagnosis of cases of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke through providing ultrasound scans and cardio-respiratory tests such as echocardiograms, ECGs, and spirometry.
In addition to Wisbech CDC, autumn 2023 will also see the opening of Ely Community Diagnostic Centre at the Princess of Wales Hospital, which will provide access to modern imaging facilities including CT, MRI, X-Ray, and ultrasound, plus cardio-respiratory and blood tests.
The development of both centres has involved several partners, including NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care Board, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, North West Anglia Foundation Trust and Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust.