Dr Paul Hancock has given us an update on our new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which is set to transform access to diagnostic testing across Plymouth:
Located in Plymouth’s West End at Colin Campbell Court, the CDC will play a key role in regenerating the city centre while significantly improving access to vital diagnostic tests. Its central location offers patients the convenience of nearby shopping and leisure facilities, as well as ample parking at Western Approach Car Park.
When fully operational, the centre will see up to 330 patients a day, delivering around 91,600 imaging tests each year, alongside a similar number of other diagnostic procedures. Recruitment is underway for 130 staff who will support this exciting new service.
Teams from Phlebotomy, Audiology, Imaging and Physiological Measurement have visited the site to review their future workspaces. They have been working closely with BAM Construction and construction consultants Ward Williams, providing expert input to help shape the final design, focusing on delivering the very best patient experience.
Colleagues are already enthusiastic about the opportunities the new centre will bring.
Lead Cardiologist, Vicky Church said:
“The new Diagnostic Centre looks absolutely fantastic. It’s going to be brilliant to have all of the diagnostic tests available in the same space for patients.”
Jeanette Owen, Principal Radiographer for the X-ray imaging service, added:
“These new X-ray rooms will be primarily for our GP patients and we’re really excited to be able to bring this service down here. We’ve got two state-of-the-art, brand new X-ray rooms, and it’s going to be a really great working environment for our team of radiographers.”
Respiratory Physiologist Mike Thynne said:
“We see a high number of respiratory patients and this is really going to help tackle our waiting list. We have three rooms dedicated to supporting lung function needs which will improve patient care by making it quicker for people to be seen, and it’s a really lovely space to work in.”
Once open, the Community Diagnostic Centre will provide a comprehensive range of tests, scans and checks in a convenient city centre setting, including:
- CT
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
- Echocardiography (ECHO)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Vascular ultrasound
- Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
- FeNO and lung function tests
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Pacemaker clinic
- Simple field tests (e.g. six-minute walk test)
- Spirometry, including bronchodilator response
- Sleep investigations
By providing these services away from Derriford Hospital, the CDC will enable faster diagnoses closer to home, helping to reduce waiting times and support earlier treatment for our patients.
We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses towards opening.
