The Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in the UK has announced the opening of a new diagnostics centre aimed at enhancing early diagnosis of serious illnesses such as prostate cancer.
The new Wirral Diagnostics Centre is equipped with the latest MRI and CT scanning technology to deliver high-quality scan images swiftly, improving the detection of various conditions.
It has been opened to primarily focus on cancer detection; however, it will also conduct diagnostics for a broad spectrum of conditions.
Located away from the bustling Arrowe Park site, the Wirral Diagnostics Centre offers various detection capabilities for complex conditions.
This strategic positioning not only ensures a more comfortable experience but also minimises the risk of test cancellations.
Over the past decade, the demand for CT scans at the Trust has surged by 65%, while MRI scan requests have increased by 13%, highlighting the critical need for such advanced diagnostic facilities, the Trust noted.
Wirral Diagnostics Centre is the second to open at the Clatterbridge site, run by the Wirral University Teaching Hospital.
The Clatterbridge Diagnostics Centre, established in July 2021 through a collaboration between Wirral University Teaching Hospital and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, was the first such diagnostic hub in England.
It has served over 100,000 patients with tests and scans since its inception.
The two centres have been established to reinforce the hospital's goal of reducing NHS waiting times and bolstering capacity for early diagnosis.
Wirral University Teaching Hospital chief executive Janelle Holmes said: “We are extremely proud of everything that has been achieved with the first diagnostics centre at Clatterbridge, and we want to continue that success with the second facility.”
Clatterbridge Cancer Centre chief executive and Diagnostics in Cheshire and Merseyside senior responsible officer Liz Bishop added: “Not only will the new Wirral Diagnostics Centre help to provide quicker access to tests, but the whole centre has been designed around improving the patient experience with the aim of providing patients with a more comfortable and dignified place to be tested.”
