The community diagnostic centre (CDC) at the Metrocentre is celebrating its first anniversary, having welcomed more than 55,000 patients since opening its doors on 24 October 2024.
The centre, a partnership between Gateshead Health and Newcastle Hospitals, was created to deliver diagnostic services closer to where people live, work and shop. It aims to bring more care into the community, improve early diagnosis and reduce pressure on hospital services – a core aim of the NHS 10-year plan.
Patients referred by their GP or hospital clinician can access a wide range of tests and scans, including MRI, CT, ultrasound, cardiology and respiratory investigations, as well as blood tests. Open seven days a week from 8:00am to 8:00pm, the centre offers appointments at convenient times, including evenings and weekends.
In a joint statement, Rob Harrison, acting chief executive of Newcastle Hospitals and Dr Sean Fenwick, acting chief executive of Gateshead Health, said: “The community diagnostic centre shows what can be achieved when we work together to design services around patients.
“In just one year, more than 55,000 people have accessed vital tests quickly and locally. That not only improves outcomes but also reduces demand on our hospital sites. We’re proud of what’s been achieved and remain committed to building on this success.
“This centre is a great example of the NHS 10-Year Plan in action, by improving access to care, supporting earlier diagnosis and delivering services closer to home.”
For many patients, the convenience and accessibility of the centre have transformed their experience of diagnostic care.
Margaret Wilson, 65, from Gateshead said: “I have been coming to the CDC for 6 months for regular blood tests. It is easy to get to, and if I am early, I get seen straight away, no waiting around. It’s a great place, and I grab a coffee when I’m done and have a look around the shops.”
Staff working at the centre say they are proud to be part of a team that is reshaping how care is delivered.
Michael Scott, sleep nurse specialist of Newcastle Hospitals, said: “Patients often tell us how much easier it is to come here than to a hospital site. It’s a more relaxed environment and they feel comfortable, which makes the whole experience better.”
Gareth Davies, CDC clinical manager of Gateshead Health, added “Being part of the team here has been incredibly rewarding. We know how important early diagnosis is, and being able to offer patients quick, local access to tests is making a real difference. We aim to deliver the best diagnostic service we can for Gateshead and Newcastle. All future additional diagnostics to the CDC will allow us to support even more patients with faster, more accessible care.”
The Metrocentre CDC is part of a national shift in how healthcare is delivered, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis and care closer to home.
As it enters its second year, the centre will continue to play a key role in improving access to essential diagnostics, supporting faster diagnosis and helping people across Gateshead and Newcastle live healthier lives.
