Clatterbridge Diagnostic delivers over 33,000 vital tests and scans in its first year
Posted 28th October 2022
More than 33,000 vital test and scans for patients have been carried out since Clatterbridge Diagnostics officially opened a year ago.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Wirral University Teaching Hospital came together to deliver the services provided at Clatterbridge Diagnostics, which became one of the first NHS England funded Community Diagnostic Centres in England, when it opened last year. Clatterbridge Diagnostics, which is based on The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s Wirral site, offers tests for Phlebotomy, Ultrasound, MRI, CT, ECHO, ECG and Sleep Studies. It is part of the wider NHS England Community Diagnostic Centre Programme, which aims to improve outcomes for patients, including those with suspected cancer and other serious health conditions, through earlier diagnosis.
Thanks to creation of centres like Clatterbridge Diagnostics, significant progress has already been made on tackling waiting lists.
Liz Bishop, Chief Executive of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Senior Responsible Officer for the Diagnostics programme across Cheshire & Merseyside, said: “It’s really important for people to be able to get the tests they need as quickly and conveniently as possible. It stops unnecessary worry if it turns out they don’t have a serious condition and means those who do can get treated. We’re pleased to be working with our partners to provide the Clatterbridge Diagnostic Centre for people in Wirral.”
Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive of Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are proud to be part of the focussed efforts supporting the NHS nationally, tackling the backlogs caused by the pandemic. This diagnostic centre is a collaborative project, which has demonstrated the real value of working with partners across the Wirral health economy to support our patients. We are really pleased to be able to bring this service to the local community, improving patient care and experience.”
Nationally, the Community Diagnostic Centres have delivered more than two million tests, checks and scans for patients, with a further 10 centres now approved across England, announced on 11th October 2022. These centres are supporting clearing the pandemic backlogs by speeding up access to lifesaving tests.
