Work to develop a new community diagnostic centre (CDC) at Metrocentre in Gateshead is now underway.
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle Hospitals are working in partnership on this exciting project which will create a modern, state-of-the-art environment for patients, carers and staff.
The CDC will provide imaging, respiratory investigations and cardiac investigations with the centre designed to create capacity for these services that are seeing increased referrals. It is an important step in providing improved access to screening and diagnostic services outside of a hospital setting for the people of Gateshead and Newcastle.
Funding for the centre was announced earlier this year and once open it will offer 145,000 appointments per year and create 134 jobs.
A steel signing ceremony has been held to mark the start of work on the centre.
Trudie Davies, chief executive for Gateshead Health and Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of Newcastle Hospitals said: “We are delighted to see work progressing on the new community diagnostic centre at Metrocentre. This collaborative effort between Gateshead Health and Newcastle Hospitals signifies our commitment to enhancing healthcare services for our communities. The centre will meet the growing demand for diagnostic services that are easy for people to visit, as well as creating many employment opportunities. It will be a great service for the residents of Gateshead and Newcastle.”
Alice Leaver, head of service for clinical support and screening said: “The development of the community diagnostic centre at the Metrocentre is a significant step forward for healthcare in our region. Faster access to crucial diagnostic tests like MRIs, ultrasounds, and heart function tests will have a really positive impact on patients from both Trusts.”
Ken Bremner MBE, is Chair of the North East and North Cumbria Provider Collaborative. He said: “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through collaboration and it is great news that work is finally underway on this exciting development.
 ”The new Metrocentre Community Diagnostic Centre will make a huge difference to the residents of Gateshead, Newcastle and beyond.  Providing more healthcare services within community settings like this is vitally important.  It means we will be able to see more patients quickly as we keep our relentless focus on improving waiting times across the region’s NHS.”
Robertson Construction North East is delivering the project, Managing Director Garry Hope commented: “The new Community Diagnostic Centre is a great example of two NHS Trusts collaborating to meet the needs of the communities they serve through an accessible facility which puts healthcare to the fore.
“Having worked with both Trusts before on the delivery of successful projects, they can be confident that we will deliver a quality facility that everyone can be proud of.”
David Gullane, Regional Director for AtkinsRéalis said: “AtkinsRéalis has been involved from the very beginning of the Gateshead Community Diagnostic Centre’s journey, and we’re delighted to be supporting the delivery of such a key facility for the local area and the wider region.
“Watching this come to life on site is a great testament to everyone’s efforts to date, ensuring we deliver a great facility for the whole community to benefit from.”
Gavin Prior, Metrocentre Centre Director commented “With the fit out works now well underway, this is a landmark moment for Metrocentre, as we introduce a flagship healthcare facility for Gateshead & Newcastle and the North East more widely. It will enrich our offer, increase healthcare accessibility for our catchment and deliver new purpose to visit Metrocentre to the benefit of all our occupiers. This showcases our mission to offer visitors and locals what they want and need, as a big step in evolving the diversity of uses at Metrocentre.”
The community diagnostic centre will be opening later this year in autumn.
Newcastle Hospitals and Gateshead Health are two of four hospital trusts in the North of England who have signalled their intention to work together as part of the Great North Healthcare Alliance. The Trusts believe that there is huge potential to reshape healthcare to deliver significant benefits to our patients and staff within our own organisations and in the wider region.
