The first outpatients arrived at the purpose-built facility this morning, ready to benefit from the cutting-edge technology on offer.
More than 40,000 outpatient appointments are expected to take place in the new centre in the first year, providing MRI and CT scans as well as X-ray and Ultrasound imaging used for diagnosing and monitoring of a wide range of conditions – including cancer and respiratory conditions.
“Excellent” and “very relaxing” were just a few of the comments from patients on the first day of services. One of the first through the doors was 77-year-old Neil Towney who was there for a CT scan was. He said: “It was a really amazing room, I loved the sky ceiling tiles and I felt very relaxed. I’d be very happy to come back here for more scans.”
Also visiting on opening morning was 83-year-old, Ruth Gordon who was attending an ultrasound appointment. She said: “It was really easy to find and had a nice friendly atmosphere. The staff were very welcoming which always relaxes you and gives you confidence they are in charge. I certainly wouldn’t dread coming back.”
Speaking at the opening The QEH Chair, Chris Lawrence, said: “This impressive new facility is the result of many months and years of hard work and planning. It’s a privilege to be here to see it opening. This centre is going to significantly enhance our ability to offer timely diagnostic tests to outpatients. Fast imaging and scans mean we can diagnose conditions and illnesses quicker – and get those patients on the treatment path they need.”
Jeff Chung, Clinical Operations Lead in Radiology at The QEH said: “This new facility will make a real difference to our patients meaning we can offer more appointments to reduce the time people have to wait for their diagnostic testing.
“From a staffing perspective, having access to new state of the art imaging equipment with prospects of further professional development helps our team to develop our skills and makes our hospital a more attractive place to work.”
The CDC is now open (Monday 30 September) to patients for all scans apart from MRI, which will begin later in October. Appointments will be available at the centre seven days a week, with weekend and early and late slots to fit around the needs of patients.
The new building is one of three such facilities being opened at the three acute hospitals in Norfolk and Waveney following the investment of £85.9 million by the Department of Health and Social Care. The James Paget University Hospitals opened their CDC in July this year and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals will open early next year.
Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “The opening of the Community Diagnostic Centre at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is part of a wider transformation we’re driving across the region, with significant investments in both buildings and state-of-the-art equipment.
“This centre, alongside others, demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the quality and accessibility of care for our people and communities. By modernising our infrastructure and expanding diagnostic capacity, we’re ensuring that patients receive faster diagnoses and more timely treatments, which will help improve health outcomes across Norfolk and Waveney.”
Ends.
Notes to editors;
This building has the capacity for 40,000 outpatient appointments. Currently outpatients are seen in the main hospital building and these will be relocated to the new Community Diagnostic Centre.
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