Design underway for Stoke-on-Trent’s new CDC

Stoke-on-Trent is to benefit from a new £42.6 million Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) with designs now underway for the chosen site in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.  This is part of a national roll out, which aims to create 160 centres across England.

Located in the community, this large new facility will be a multi-diagnostic centre, managed by University Hospitals of North Midlands, and will offer local people the chance to have their MRI, CT and ultrasound scans, as well as X-rays, without having to attend hospital.  Due to open in 2025, the centre will also provide testing and diagnostic services including pathology, endoscopy, respiratory and cardiology physiology. Once the centre opens there will be around 180 people working, with recruitment and training for new roles already underway.

Helen Ashley, UHNM Director of Strategy and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Plans are progressing at pace as we remain committed to ensuring that local people benefit from rapid access to a wide range of excellent tests, checks and scans.  By increasing the number and type of tests we can do locally we will be able to reduce waiting times and help anyone needing ongoing treatment to receive the care and treatment they need quickly.

“Faster diagnostics is key to diagnosing a range of conditions, including cancer, as early as possible. If a patient needs 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 former Sainsbury’s site, on Etruria Road, has been selected following an exhaustive process which looked at size, location, accessibility, and availability. It has good public and private transport links providing easy access for some who may otherwise find it difficult to get to the hospital. 

As an interim measure, additional MRI capacity has been provided through a mobile unit since August 2023 to support the busy winter period. The aim is to transfer this to the site in Etruria Road as part of the new development. 

Once fully operational, the CDC will have the ability to deliver an additional 85,000 checks, tests and scans each year.