The Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) programme at Rochester Healthy Living Centre (RHLC) in Medway, Kent, is progressing, with the recent completion of a feasibility study.
The new CDC programme in Kent will provide imaging, physiological measurement, and pathology tests and scans across two sites, delivering significant additional diagnostic capacity and supporting the COVID-19 recovery plans, as well as predicted future growth in demand.
Current diagnostic provision in Medway and Swale is largely provided by Medway NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) at the local acute hospital site.
But the plans put forward by Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) to establish a hub-and-spoke model across two sites in the Medway and neighbouring Swale locality, will help to alleviate some of the pressures the hospital is currently facing.
A hub will be based at the neighbouring Sheppey Community Hospital – a NHS Property Services-owned facility, with the spoke being at RHLC – which is owned by Community Health Partnerships (CHP).
With both sites being in close proximity, they will complement one another to provide a range of services for patients requiring multiple diagnostic testing which will help reduce hospital visits.
The increased diagnostic provision in the community will also make the most of existing NHS estates and improve patient access.
And the scheme will reduce long-term void space, while meeting the objective of increased utilisation of the LIFT estate.
The building is set across three floors, with a small percentage of void and bookable space.
The proposed development will deliver a standard model via the refurbishment of existing space in a community facility.
The Rochester CDC will be delivered in two phases. Phase One will involve the purchase of ultrasound machines, Echo machine, Dex, FeNO, ECG Machine, and Dopplers pulmonary function equipment.
Phase Two will include:
- The procurement of an external CT and MRI scanner
- Internal space will be converted to accommodate a new MRI scanner
- Development of new space that will house a CT mobile unit located away from the main health facility
- An upgrade of existing power pads to accommodate diagnostic services
- Current void or bookable rooms to be reconfigured into clinical space to support the CDC provision
The CDC will be hosted by Medway Foundation Trust with CHP and LIFTCo partner, Medway Community Estates, providing project support and guidance.
Physiological measurement services are due to go live in spring 2023, with financial close set to be reached this summer.