A new community diagnostic centre capable of delivering up to 100,000 tests a year has officially opened its doors.
The purpose-built facility, next to Mansfield Community Hospital on Stockwell Gate, will provide a wide range of diagnostic services including endoscopy, MRI, CT scanning and blood testing.
The centre aims to help patients receive faster diagnoses closer to home, reduce waiting times and support earlier detection of serious conditions.
Grand opening of new community diagnostic centre in Mansfield. Photo supplied.
It was formally opened on April 15 by Sharon Hodgson at a special event attended by representatives from the Trust, project partners and key stakeholders.
It comes as further investment has been announced for Community Diagnostic Centres across the Midlands, including a new centre alongside the expansion of four existing sites and enhancements to four additional centres in the region.
During the visit, the minister toured the facility, met staff and partners involved in its delivery, and viewed demonstrations of the diagnostic technology available.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening before services began.
Jon Melbourne, chief executive of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The opening of the Mansfield Community Diagnostic Centre is a significant achievement for our Trust and, most importantly, for the communities we serve.
“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has played a part in making this a reality, from our dedicated staff and project teams to our partners and stakeholders who have worked together every step of the way.”
The centre has been delivered through partnership working between the Trust, construction partners and national investment in healthcare infrastructure, and is expected to support local health services and reduce waiting times.
Grand opening of new community diagnostic centre in Mansfield. Photo supplied.
Dr James Thomas, deputy chief medical officer at the Trust and clinical lead for the project, said: “This new Community Diagnostic Centre is all about making things easier and better for our patients.
“We know that waiting for tests and results can be an anxious time, so being able to offer more appointments, closer to where people live, will make a real difference to their experience.
“By bringing a wide range of diagnostic services together under one roof, we can help people get answers more quickly and start the right treatment sooner.”
Ms Hodgson said: “The NHS should fit around people’s lives, not the other way around, and this brand-new, state-of-the-art centre for Mansfield is going to offer convenient tests, checks and scans, avoiding trips to hospital.
“Community Diagnostic Centres like this one are a vital part of how we’re rebuilding the NHS and getting people seen on time again.”
Dr Jessica Sokolov, regional medical director for NHS England Midlands, said the opening would allow more patients to access tests and scans faster and at convenient locations.
By bringing diagnostic services together in one location, the centre will help patients across Nottinghamshire access tests more quickly, supporting faster diagnoses and improved outcomes.