A long-awaited brand-new diagnostics centre opened yesterday (September 30) at Westmorland General Hospital.

The purpose-built unit has had £8.6m worth of funding and will deliver MRI and CT services that have, up until now, been provided from mobile units.

Building work started on the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Kendal in June 2023 which was was estimated for completion in May 2024.

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It opened on September 30 however meeting its new autumn opening deadline.

The new permanent suite is expected to carry out an additional 11,935 tests annually.

It aims to ensure that patients who need diagnostic tests will be seen sooner in a 'vastly improved' environment. 

The new patient waiting area (Image: Lancashire and South Cumbria Diagnostics Collaborative) Its creation promises to add to the number of diagnostic tests available, making it quicker and easier for patients to access potentially life-saving tests for a wide range of conditions.

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The centre will be located on level two of the hospital – the same floor as the main entrance - and as well as new MRI and CT scanning suites, will have X-ray imaging, endoscopy and pathology with the project aiming to enhance WGH as an Elective Surgery Hub.

There is also an easily accessible reception area, new waiting room, consulting rooms and other spaces with different types of diagnostic equipment.

(Image: Lancashire and South Cumbria Diagnostics Collaborative) Speaking on the Lancashire and South Cumbria Diagnostics Collaborative Facebook page, a spokesperson said: "We thank everyone involved in this project, from the Capital Services team – who have been critical in completing this work, to contractors and the teams who have helped develop and shape what the new centre looks like and worked tirelessly to achieve its completion.

"There are now eight CDCs across Lancashire and South Cumbria that have been set up to enable Trusts to offer thousands more diagnostic tests and scans, helping to cut waiting lists and support earlier diagnosis.

The new patient waiting area (Image: Lancashire and South Cumbria Diagnostics Collaborative) "The new centres add to the amount of diagnostic tests available making it quicker and easier for patients to access potentially life-saving tests for a wide range of conditions."

The development is located on the site of the hospital’s old mortuary with work to demolish and replace with a new, larger building.