Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals has announced the official opening of a diagnostic imaging suite, marking a “major step” in commitment to patient care.
The occasion was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by mayor Ros Jones CBE, alongside Richard Parker OBE, chief executive at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), and senior members of the medical imaging team.
More than 80,000 diagnostic procedures are expected to be delivered by the suite over the next year, significantly improving health outcomes for patients across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw.
'A fantastic asset'
Opening on 24 March, the Imaging Suite marks the completion of the Montagu Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which began construction in 2021.
Sara Elliott, head of medical imaging at DBTH, said: “The Imaging Suite is a fantastic asset for the medical imaging service. We are proud to have recently recruited an additional 10 radiographers and six administrators to support the service and have invested in our future workforce by training 11 apprentices through the trust’s degree apprenticeship scheme.”
Initially, the CDC’s medical imaging services operated from mobile units – but with the £16.8 million investment into the Suite, the CDC now boasts purpose-built MRI and CT scanning rooms, an ultrasound suite and a reception area for patients.
By providing a more accessible and efficient diagnostic experience, the suite will reduce waiting times and improve treatment pathways while complementing the existing endoscopy suite, which joined the service in late 2023.
Expanding diagnostic options
Last year, officers at DBTH emphasised that the imaging suite would permit even greater training opportunities for radiographers.
In addition to medical imaging and endoscopy, the Montagu CDC hosts cardiorespiratory, blood testing and recently it introduced fibro scanning and dermoscopy procedures. Plans are currently underway to introduce a local cardiac MRI pathway later this year, expanding diagnostic options for the community.
Richard Parker OBE, chief executive at DBTH, said: “The imaging suite is a prime example of how we are transforming healthcare by providing care in the best environment for patients.
“The trust is in the early stages of exploring further opportunities, including partnerships with Doncaster Council, NHS Doncaster and Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust to deliver ‘health on the high street’ schemes. If approved, this initiative would see more services provided in community settings, making healthcare accessible and convenient for patients.”
Mayor Ros Jones CBE, added: “The imaging suite is a fantastic addition to our local healthcare services. I am proud to be part of today’s opening ceremony and look forward to seeing the positive difference it will make for people within our communities.”
For more information on infrastructure projects at DBTH, please visit the website.
(Image: Opening of Montagu CDC Imaging Suite, via DBTH)