In October 2022, it was confirmed that a £19m Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) had been approved by NHS England. The centre will offer MRI, CT and ultrasound scanning for patients across north Cumbria and will be located in Workington town centre.
Referrals to diagnostic services in north Cumbria have doubled in comparison to pre-COVID numbers which has led to longer waiting times. North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) has been working hard to reduce waiting times by providing temporary mobile units at its two main hospital sites in Carlisle and Whitehaven. The new CDC provides a more permanent solution separate to the busy main hospitals.
Faster diagnostics is key to diagnosing a range of conditions, including cancer, as early as possible. If a patient requires more than one type of scan, the Centre will aim to provide them in one visit to reduce travelling and waiting times for diagnoses.
The Centre is set to open to patients in Spring 2025 and work on the site is underway.
When determining the location for the Centre, the Trust considered population demand and health needs as well as travel distance and access. Workington town centre is the ideal location for the CDC and is accessible via public transport.