Community Diagnostic Centres

Unlocking diagnostic capacity for faster, more accessible care

The client: Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, sought to improve diagnostic capacity in response to increasing demand for imaging, spirometry, and point-of-care testing services.

Located in a region with some of the highest levels of social deprivation and poor health outcomes, the trusts were determined to deliver faster, more equitable care.

Improving access to care

Both trusts operated separately, leading to long waiting times and underutilised diagnostic capacity. Patients were left waiting for essential tests like cancer screenings, while others were unable to access care due to logistical issues like travel.

With NHS England aiming for 17 million diagnostic appointments by 2025, Gateshead needed a strategy that could rapidly unlock capacity and improve access.

Integrating RIS, PACS, and EPR systems

Rather than invest in entirely new systems, Gateshead and Newcastle worked with us to innovate with their existing technology.

By integrating systems like RIS, PACS, and EPR, they developed a data architecture that connected the two trusts’ diagnostic capacities. This approach provided real-time visibility of resources and allowed for faster, more efficient care delivery.

The CDC at MetroCentre, strategically located with excellent public transport links, greatly improved accessibility for patients who previously struggled to attend appointments, resulting in reduced DNA rates and better access to diagnostics.

Improving patient waiting times

The integration of existing systems and collaborative approach enabled Gateshead and Newcastle to unlock diagnostic capacity from day one, significantly improving waiting times for key tests and providing high-quality, timely care.

This solution, designed by our expert team, is now being blueprinted for use by other NHS organisations, offering a model for improving diagnostic services nationwide.

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