A Community Diagnostic Centre designed to speed up access to tests and relieve pressure on hospital teams has opened in Hull.
The £18m facility, in Albion Street, will provide a range of services, including MRI, CT scans and X-rays. The NHS said more clinics, including respiratory and cardiology, would be offered in the future.
Catherine Hellewell, senior sister at the blood testing unit, said quick diagnosis would lead to quicker treatment and better results for patients.
She said: “It’s really important that we get those waiting lists down and get patients seen quickly so we can get a diagnosis, get treatment and, hopefully, improve the outcomes of people in the local community.”
Ms Hellewell added: “As well as the existing standalone services that we have got here, the hope is that there will be some joined-up pathways going forward, so that patients will be able to come have a test, see a consultant, get a diagnosis and leave in a sort of one-stop shop.
“That’s the ultimate goal of the building.
“It’s really exciting for the staff. There’s a real buzz about the place.”
Councillor Linda Chambers, portfolio holder for adult services and public health at Hull City Council, said the city centre location, which is close to the railway and bus stations, meant it was easy for patients to travel to the centre.
“It will help GPs make an early diagnosis without having to refer patients through the hospital to see a consultant there. So that will relieve pressure on the hospitals,” she said.
“It should also speed up diagnosis for patients and ensure that they get early treatment.”
The centre has been built in collaboration with NHS Humber Health Partnership, Hull City Council, Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and NHS England.
About 100 clinical and non-clinical jobs have been created as a result.