A new diagnostic facility offering patients rapid tests to aid faster diagnosis of a broad spectrum of conditions including cancer, heart and lung disease has opened in Redcar.
The project is funded by NHS England, via the national CDC program with support from NHSPS, and the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System.
Following a visit from local MP Anna Turley, NHS Property Services (NHSPS) is proud to announce the transformation of previously vacant areas within Redcar Primary Care Hospital into state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities. The newly delivered MRI, CT, and cardiology examination rooms mark a major milestone in expanding healthcare access across the region and will deliver thousands of tests for local people.
Other smaller sites being run by the health group are already in operation at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and at the University Hospital of Hartlepool. Each performs a wide range of tests in the community including endoscopy, echocardiology, lung tests, MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound and plain film x-rays.
This use of vacant space aligns with NHSPS’ goal of unlocking value in the NHS by understanding customer priorities and helping deliver them, as well as investing, optimising, and rationalising resources to enhance patient care.
Ben Gammer, Senior Strategy Manager, said: “We are excited to see this development’s positive impact on the community. By leveraging vacant space and securing significant funding from the NHS, we are expanding capacity for better patient outcomes.”
Simon Milburn, collaborative chair for clinical support services at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
Thanks to the commitment and dedication of our partners at NHS Property Services, as well as of our own staff, we have been able to transform this unused space into a state-of-the-art facility. This new diagnostic centre will help provide local people in the Redcar and surrounding area with access to rapid health tests.
“It will mean a much-improved experience for any patient who needs tests for any health issue linked to cancer, heart or lung disease. And this then means a quicker diagnosis for any serious issue so that we can treat it as soon as possible. Along with the other diagnostic sites located across the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, we will be able to help more people than ever before.”
Anna Turley, MP for Redcar said: “This investment is fantastic news for Redcar. The new facilities at our Primary Care Hospital will mean thousands more patients can be seen quickly and close to home, with access to the very best diagnostic equipment.
“It’s exactly the kind of improvement our NHS needs – easing pressure on waiting lists and giving people in Redcar & Cleveland faster diagnoses and peace of mind. I’m proud to see our area benefiting from this national programme and I’ll keep working to make sure local people get the healthcare services they deserve.”
To find out more, visit the diagnostic services page.