Buckland Hospital opens state-of-the-art MRI unit

Buckland Hospital Community Diagnostic Centre has opened a state-of-the-art MRI unit as part of the final phase of NHS England’s capital project.

Funding for the Dover site means the unit will be able to stay open seven days a week, increasing diagnostic imaging capacity and reducing patient waits.

Expansion of diagnostic services at the hospital began in 2021 with a CT scanner, followed by a mobile MRI, and renovated consultation, changing and waiting rooms, as well as expanding the hospital’s existing ultrasound and X-ray services.

Speeding up diagnosis

Previously patients had to travel to hospitals in Ashford, Canterbury or Margate for CT and MRI scans.

More than 117,678 patients have had diagnostic tests at the Buckland Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), with 60 per cent of patients seen coming from the local area. Around 7,700 patients have been seen to date by the MRI services, with 1,000 patients being seen on the new static scanner, with the CDC representing a 33 per cent increase in radiology provisions since 2021.

CDC lead Cara Barlow explained how the new scanner will further benefit the local community. 

She said: “The MRI, as the final part of this important Community Diagnostic Centre, will increase capacity and speed up diagnosis, and potentially treatment, for patients.

“Providing this fantastic local facility will support our aims to improve access and attendances by residents in coastal regions. Some of these are the highest areas of deprivation so the new scanner will help to reduce local health inequalities, and improve patient experience.”

A growing network

Cathy Wybrow, NHS England deputy director for planned care improvement, said: “We are really thrilled that the local population will have access to increased diagnostic services available at the Buckland Community Diagnostics Centre. The combination of all the new scanners and other tests such as blood tests and respiratory tests will significantly improve patient care for the local population.

“As one of 31 sites across NHS England South East, this centre ensures that patients in East Kent have access to the growing regional network of improved, high quality and locally accessible diagnostics services.  We look forward to continuing to review feedback from patients and the local population in the coming months and investing in more patient pathways going through this modern facility, including direct access for local GPs to refer their patients into.”

East Kent Hospitals chief executive Tracey Fletcher said: “The opening of the new MRI signals the final phase of the Community Diagnostic Centre at Dover - another way to make sure we are providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“This new facility increases capacity, reducing pressure on hospital sites and improving health outcomes for local patients by providing faster diagnoses. We thank NHS England for their support in making this happen.”

While the SoR supports efforts to improve diagnostic capacity and reduce waiting times with Community Diagnostic Centres, it warns that the only way to make a real impact on waiting times is by hiring more staff.

(Image: Buckland Hospital staff)