A new community diagnostic centre (CDC) has been approved for development in Stockton, offering rapid tests, checks and scans for the local community.
The scheme is being delivered by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board in collaboration with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The CDC is to be located centrally on Stockton High Street and will provide a host of diagnostic functions including MRI scans, ultrasound and CT scans, cardiology, x-rays, blood tests and respiratory checks.
It is estimated that the new centre will provide up to 104,000 checks, scans and tests per year when fully operational.
Phil Woolfall, clinical director for radiology at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is fantastic news for our population across the Tees Valley – this diagnostic centre will help make healthcare readily available for all. Having access to services including MRI scans and CT scans means patients can receive faster health checks outside of the hospital setting and closer to their homes.”
Matt Vickers, MP for Stockton South, said: “This is such an important investment in our region. I have worked with our NHS partners throughout my own tenure to ensure a levelling up for our region regards community diagnostics, truly focused on place based care is a priority.”
He added: “Our health care leaders have driven the health inequalities agenda with absolute determination for a number of years. It is testament to all involved in this collaboration that we will invest in a Stockton based hub to truly change the health outcomes for the Tees Valley. Early diagnosis and of course prevention will herald a change in life expectancy for our communities.”
