Tens of thousands of patients benefit as local health centre celebrates first birthday

Chris Kamara pictured with a microphone outside Wakefield Community Diagnostic Centre

Over 70,000 tests and scans that speed up the diagnosis of illnesses like cancer and heart disease have been delivered in the first year of opening at Wakefield Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which celebrates its first birthday today (Friday 28 March).

Instead of going to hospital, local residents can access planned outpatient tests at the centre, including X-rays, ultrasounds, CT, MRI, and bone-density scans, as well as blood tests, dermoscopic imaging, cardio-respiratory tests, and some ophthalmology tests.

Officially opened back in September by local sporting legend, Chris Kamara, Wakefield Community Diagnostic Centre is a shining example of how patients can benefit from accessing high-quality care in the community, enabling them to be seen sooner, whilst easing pressures on hospitals by freeing up staff and appointments as we tackle the backlog of inherited waiting lists.

Wakefield Community Diagnostic Centre allows GPs to refer patients directly to the site for testing rather than a hospital, meaning many patients experience shorter waiting times and faster referrals to specialists when needed. A recent patient survey showed that more than 85% of respondents were happy with their experiences at the centre.

Former footballer, manager, sports analyst and presenter, Chris Kamara said: "People in and around Wakefield should be receiving top notch care and that’s exactly what Wakefield Community Diagnostic Centre delivers. This new state of the art facility sits right in the heart of our city and I’m so incredibly proud of what it’s already achieved for the local patients.

“I’m passionate about supporting my local hospital Trust because it means so much to local people and it greatly improves their lives.”

Chris Kamara's support for the CDC includes a social media video for the Department of Health and Social Care, launching today, which highlights the Government’s commitment to reducing NHS waiting times through the Elective Recovery Plan.

Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Richard Robinson, said: “Our Community Diagnostic Centre offers a wide range of tests, providing faster access to diagnostics and treatment. By enabling GPs to refer patients directly for testing, many individuals can receive their necessary tests before seeing a specialist, reducing waiting times and unnecessary appointments. This approach helps patients get the answers they need sooner, leading to quicker diagnosis and treatment.

"Since opening last March, we have welcomed more than 70,000 patients, demonstrating the vital role the centre plays in improving access to diagnostic services. Our staff really like working in the centre and patient feedback has been excellent.

"Located conveniently with free parking and excellent transport links, our centre brings high-quality diagnostics closer to home, making healthcare more accessible for our community."

Health Minister, Karin Smyth, commented: “Wakefield Community Diagnostic Centre is an outstanding example of how we can harness the very best of our NHS and take it to the rest of the NHS.

“This government has wasted no time in tackling the dire NHS backlogs, with 193,000 cut from the waiting list since July, which has fallen for five consecutive months.

“We will get our broken NHS back on its feet and delivering for all patients once again. This includes opening even more Community Diagnostic Centres and extending opening hours, so we can cut waiting times for patients and get individuals back to work and doing what they love.”

As the CDC marks this milestone, the Trust looks forward to continuing to provide patients with accessible, high-quality diagnostic care in the years ahead.