A new state-of-the-art Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) was officially opened at Southlands Hospital by guest of honour and radiology patient Christine Heels from Ashington.
Designed to help speed up diagnosis and improve patient experience, the CDC has provided quick access for medical tests to more than 14,000 patients since phase one of the CDC opened in October last year.
To celebrate, colleagues and partners gathered and the ribbon was cut by Christine, a patient who had been scanned in the mobile scanner previously offered at Southlands and has since used the new CT scanner within the CDC.
Christine, a keen supporter of the NHS and who was a part of a local group who sewed scrubs during the pandemic, said: “The mobile unit was efficient up to a point, but the organisation of the waiting area wasn’t the best. You had to wait in your car, and they would phone you to say when it was ok for you to come inside.
“If you’re thinking of the patient experience, which we all are, then it’s a huge improvement. I was met and greeted when I arrived for my appointment, and I didn’t have to wait very long at all. I was in and out of the CT scanner in 10 minutes, this centre really speeds things up. If you’ve got to have a CT scan, this is the great experience you should have.”
Jemma Deane, CDC Operational Manager said: “It was wonderful to be able to celebrate this momentous occasion, with all the colleagues and partners who contributed to making our shared vision into a reality. It is not often that we stop and take stock of our achievements in a busy NHS service, which made the event even more special. I am excited for the future of our CDC at Southlands and how we can continue to work to make this a success for our service users.”
When the NHS commissioned a review of diagnostics back in 2020, one of its recommendations was the introduction of community hubs where patients could access diagnostic services away from acute hospitals.
UHSussex is dedicated to improving patient experience and helping speed up diagnosis for the people of Sussex and was successful in our proposal to be the provider of this purpose-based facility.
The CDC allows patients to access planned diagnostic care nearer to their home without the need for them to attend busier hospital sites, making it simpler to access healthcare and eliminating lengthy journeys to Brighton, Worthing or further afield.
With cutting-edge technology and the latest equipment, our Community Diagnostic Centre can deliver accurate and timely diagnoses in a facility separate to urgent diagnostic scan facilities at larger hospitals. This means shorter waiting times for patients and reducing the risk of cancellations which can happen when more urgent cases take priority.
The CDC, which has a team of around 50 colleagues, houses world-class CT and MRI scanners, alongside three cutting-edge X-ray rooms, all in one dedicated space.
Siobhan Murray, Managing Director for Unscheduled Care said: “This opening of the CDC marks a commitment to accessible, comprehensive healthcare services tailored to the needs of our community.
“Our goal is to break down barriers to healthcare and by opening this diagnostic centre we take step towards ensuring healthcare is within arm’s reach for everyone.
“It’s not just a new facility we celebrate; it’s about building a healthier, more connected community.”
Alan McCarthy, UHSussex Chairman said: “Making this centre into the impressive space it is today was no small feat and the team’s unwavering commitment and hard work have been instrumental in achieving its success.
“I want to say a huge thank you to each and every one involved in the creation of this fantastic unit, they have all played a huge part in making this a remarkable reality and should feel proud of this massive step forward in the improvement of care for our patients.”
With the first phase of the service now open, work has already begun on phase two of the CDC development which will provide further diagnostic services, including echocardiography, gynaecological and respiratory procedures, expected to be finished in Autumn 2024.
Once complete, the CDC will embody a true ‘one-stop’ model of care, enhancing efficiency and further improving the overall patient experience for people in Sussex.