University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust announced Southlands Hospital had a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new state-of-the-art Community Diagnostic Centre.
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 opening in October last year.
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.”
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
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.
University Hospitals Sussex was successful in its 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.
Once complete, the CDC will embody a ‘one-stop’ model of care
The CDC houses world-class CT and MRI scanners, alongside three cutting-edge X-ray rooms, all in one space, which enables the delivery of 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.
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.”
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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 ‘one-stop’ model of care, enhancing efficiency and further improving the overall patient experience for people in Sussex.
