New diagnostic centre welcomes first patients

A new multi-million-pound medical centre aimed at speeding up tests and diagnoses has officially opened.

The Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre will provides services including CT and MRI scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests, cardiology, respiratory and sleep testing.

The £42.6m centre is on the former Sainsbury's site on Etruria Way in Hanley.

Open seven days a week, up to 180,000 tests and scans are expected to take place there each year, University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) said.

The aim of the centre is to provide greater capacity for carrying out earlier diagnosis and to avoid patients heading to the Royal Stoke University Hospital for their tests.

The location was chosen due to its accessibility, including a large car park, as well as a bus stop outside. All parking will be free.

The project has taken about three years to complete with recruitment to roles starting a couple of years ago.

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