A multi-million-pound diagnostic centre which helps patients quickly get the scans they need has been officially opened by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins, during a visit to Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW).
The West Kent Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) is near Maidstone Hospital and will enable thousands more patients to get faster access to tests including x-rays, CT, MRI, DEXA and ultrasound scans. The centre at Hermitage Court, on Hermitage Lane, also provides additional clinic rooms and x-ray, respiratory and cardiology rooms.
During her visit on Tuesday 2 January, the Secretary of State talked to clinical staff working in the purpose built centre and patients undergoing treatment.
The visit was also joined by local MP’s, Greg Clark, Tracey Crouch and Helen Grant, and the politicians sat down with members of MTW’s senior management team to hear about the staff initiatives and innovation which has enabled the organisation to become one of the top performing Trusts in the country.
It is one of the only trusts in England to have no long waiting patients (those waiting more than 52 weeks for planned surgery), is regularly in the top five for in the country for emergency department performance and has delivered the national cancer standard consistently for over four years.
Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said: “It was a pleasure officially open the West Kent Community Diagnostic Centre which will provide tests, checks and scans to around 149,000 people in its first year.
“The staff are working hard to offer appointments as quickly as possible to speed up treatments and improve access.
“This is the 141st CDC open across the country which is part of our plan to tackle waiting lists and reduce pressure on hospitals.”
Chief Executive for MTW, Miles Scott said: “Across our Trust, 98% of patients need diagnostic tests and the sooner we can carry out these tests, the sooner we can start any treatment they may need.
“Waiting for tests can also be a worrying time for people and if their results are clear we can let them know more quickly. The expansion of the centre enables us to offer thousands more tests in a convenient location for patients and it has been fantastic to show the Secretary of State around the newly expanded facility.”