New £86m 'diagnostic centres' to be built at Norfolk's hospitals
It's hoped the new facilities will help cut waiting times for scans
Norfolk's three major hopsitals are to benefit from an £86m investment, to create three new 'diagnostic centres' over the next two years.
The project will provide outpatients with easier access to things like x-rays and ultrasounds, as well as a range of tests designed to detect cancer, heart disease or respiratory conditions, among other issues.
The three facilities will be at the James Paget Hospital, the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn.
Funding will come from the Department of Health and Social Care, as well as The Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity.
It's hoped the move will boost capacity in our local health service, helping to cut waiting lists and speed up treatment.
Director of Strategy and Major Projects at the Norfolk and Norwich Simon Hackwell, said:
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to invest significantly in modern scanning equipment which is essential to so many of the patients under our care.
"By delivering a county wide programme of this size it will allow the NHS to transform scanning services across Norfolk and Waveney.
"The result of which will help us see patients more quickly, meaning faster diagnosis and therefore faster treatment and improved outcomes.”
Chair of NHS Norfolk and Waveney, Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, said: “I am delighted to see this investment being used to significantly increase our imaging capacity adjacent to our hospital sites across Norfolk and Waveney.
“It’s vital we do all we can to see and treat people as efficiently as possible; this will no doubt help us to diagnose people more quickly. We are determined to help people lead longer, healthier and happier lives.”