On Tuesday the 10^{th of} September we held a consultation event with UHNM (the Trust that run Royal Stoke Hospital and County Hospital) to gather feedback and insight from champions on the development of the new Community Diagnostic Centre, which is set to open in Hanley in 2025.

This centre will provide appointments for a range of planned diagnostic tests, in a convenient and comfortable location. The key aim of the centre is to move planned appointments away from main hospitals, so hospitals have space for acute care needs, like emergency surgeries and specialist appointments. Thus, tackling health inequalities through a greater capacity for appointments, less rescheduled appointments, shorter waiting times, and a new location.

As the emphasis on this centre is ‘community’, champions were invited to ask questions and make suggestions. Champions raised some great suggestions which will be fed back and considered in the decision-making process. These include:

• Manned parking and waiting areas for patient assistance while relatives/carers find a parking space.
• Bus routes or shuttle buses to aid transportation to the centre.
• Ensuring an adequate number of disabled parking spaces are available.
• Green spaces which volunteers could maintain, to boost the comfort of the environment, as well as sustainability.