Champions give new diagnostic centre clean bill of health
Community Health Champions were invited to take a look around Stoke-on-Trent’s newest health facility in its opening week.
The Community Diagnostic Centre has opened on the site of the former Sainsbury’s in Hanley, marking a significant milestone in improving local access to vital diagnostic tests and scans.
The multi‑million‑pound facility aims to reduce waiting times and ease pressure on local hospitals.
Services available at the Stoke‑on‑Trent Community Diagnostic Centre include CT, MRI, X‑rays, ultrasound, blood tests, and physiological sciences, such as cardiology, respiratory and sleep testing. The centre will be open seven days a week, 12 hours a day, and will provide up to 180,000 tests and scans each year.
Community Health Champions were consulted at the outset on what they wanted to see from the development and this week they received a tour of the new centre. Architects also worked with Staffordshire Sightloss, Alzheimers UK and people in motorised wheelchairs to design the facility.
Maurice Greenham from Older LBGT+ said: “I’m very impressed. It’s spacious, dementia friendly and from what I can see, it’s easy to get around and all on one level. They’ve really thought about the flow.”
Carol Williams from Birches Head Get Growing said: “It’s amazing. It feels patient-friendly and like they’ve thought it through.”
Jean Spkyerman from Carelink praised the free parking for staff and visitors. She added: “It’s easy to find your way around and the murals and glass artwork on the walls is really nice for local people. The only thing it might be missing is a café!”
Two local artists have created bespoke pieces for the CDC inspired by the colours and design for the building which is inspired by Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery industry.
Esme Talbot who creates artwork as Scruffy Little Herbert has created murals – one as part of the entrance and two within recovery areas. Rebecca Davis from Grayswood Glass has created six bespoke glass artworks from vintage and reclaimed glass to chart the seasons and bring nature and windows into the corridors.
Champion John Capewell said: “It’s very impressive and I like it a lot. Hopefully it all works like it’s supposed to.”
CHC Project Officer Zi Khumalo: “This was an important visit for our Champions who were involved in the consultation process. It’s important that they can see for themselves and on behalf of the communities they represent that their views are considered when it comes to designing such an important facility.”
Dr Simon Constable, UHNM Chief Executive, said: “This is about making it easier for people to get the tests they need more quickly and more conveniently. It means earlier diagnosis, quicker access to treatment and a better overall experience for our patients, while also helping to reduce pressure on our hospital sites.”
The Stoke‑on‑Trent Community Diagnostic Centre is part of the NHS’s wider commitment to transforming diagnostic services by delivering care in community settings, making it easier for people to attend appointments and receive timely results.
