Building works on a new Clinical Diagnostic Centre (CDC) are nearing completion. The £19m investment for the CDC in Workington is due to be completed and fully operational by summer 2025.
This will be a brand new, state of the art build and will increase a whole range of diagnostic tests under one roof for patients across north Cumbria, including CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Plain Film and physiological measurement capacity.
It is anticipated that the new facility will improve access to diagnostic services reducing wait times for diagnostic tests, leading to quicker diagnoses and ultimately start patients on treatment plans sooner leading to an improvement in overall outcomes.
Gemma Richardson Lead Radiographer for NCIC said:
“We’re thrilled with the progress on the CDC, it’s looking great and we can’t wait to see all of the new equipment being delivered and installed in the
coming weeks. A lot of work is happening behind the scenes to get it ready and fit for patients to start using. We hope the new facility will have a huge impact on the amount of time people are waiting for diagnostics, which is a massive benefit to our patients.”
Currently these services are mainly delivered from both the Cumberland Infirmary, West Cumberland Hospital sites and via the use of mobile units. The new build sits in between the two acute hospitals, located in the centre of Workington town, which has easily accessible transport links, bringing healthcare to the door step of thousands of people.
A Community Diagnostic Centre is not a walk-in centre, it will provide a ‘one stop shop’ facility that will give a co-ordinated approach for planned diagnostic services. Access to the facility will be through patients GP practices or as a result of patients attending, screening programmes and outpatient appointments
The work to the site began in April 2024 and has progressed well since. The single storey building has been designed with staff input, to get the maximum benefit from the space and ensure the build works primarily in the interest of patients and staff, with consulting rooms, quiet areas and outdoor spaces.
Dean Oliver Director of Performance, Planning and Strategy at NCIC said:
“The build has moved on massively in the last few weeks, it’s really impressive to see how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time. We just want to get the doors open and begin seeing patients as soon as possible, the centre will be delivering tests for cancer, heart and lung disease amongst others, we hope patients will feel in good hands in this brand new facility.”