Crawley Hospital’s Community Diagnostic Centre Achieves 100,000 Tests in 18 Months

Thousands of patients are accessing crucial tests, such as X-rays and scans, more quickly due to the implementation of community diagnostic centres (CDCs), as reported by Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. The trust indicated that the new CDC at Crawley Hospital, which has been operational for 18 months, has already completed over 100,000 diagnostic tests. The recently expanded services include various scans and tests like CT scans, x-rays, ultrasounds, along with blood and respiratory tests. Starting in December, a new mammography machine will also enable more patients to undergo local breast cancer screenings. Previously, 3D biopsy checks were exclusively available at East Surrey Hospital. Patients can now also receive MRI scans at Crawley Hospital, and the addition of an extra CT scanner has contributed to reducing waiting lists, the trust confirmed. The diagnostic services in Crawley were first expanded in April 2023, following the confirmation of plans for the new CDC as part of a national NHS initiative. The final stage of the Crawley CDC project is anticipated to open in 2026. Eventually, the facility will provide patients with a 12-hour service, six days a week. Dr James Ramsey, chief medical officer at NHS Sussex, stated: “Our patients deserve the highest quality care, and this centre has already been instrumental in enabling thousands of patients to access vital diagnostic services quickly and efficiently, without needing to travel to an acute hospital site.” For updates, follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not accountable for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.