Shoreham: Inside new hospital community diagnostics centre

The facility at Southlands Hospital in Shoreham, featuring “world-class” CT and MRI scanners and three “cutting-edge” X-ray rooms, opened in October last year.

Now, the phase two completion of the centre is finished and it offers services including echocardiography, ultrasound, gynaecological and respiratory procedures.

Lucienne Goddard, from Shoreham, was one of the first visitors to the new centre.

Lucienne Goddard, from Shoreham, was one of the first to visit the new centre (Image: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust) She said: “The facilities look fantastic, and it is really convenient for me to be able to get these tests done closer to where I live.

“I am so pleased to see investment into Southlands Hospital as it has such a great feel to it and serves the local community.”

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The centre, funded by NHS England, is also home to four “state-of-the-art” ultrasound rooms, two echo treatment rooms, two lung function testing rooms and a specialised gynaecological treatment area.

The new facilities mean patients can access diagnostic care closer to home without attending hospital, reducing long journeys and waiting times.

The main waiting area at the CDC (Image: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust) The CDC can be accessed through the GP or other hospital services.

Stephen Mardlin, Southlands and Worthing Hospital director, said: “We are thrilled that the work on the trust’s community diagnostic centre at Southlands is now complete, allowing us to offer a true ‘one-stop’ model of care.

“The centre provides a dedicated outpatient facility with modern equipment and facilities for our patients to access diagnostic services.

The children's waiting area (Image: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust) “Having this centre at Southlands Hospital has also given patients greater choice and increases the number of tests we can carry out.

“I must commend the hard work from all the teams, which is evident in the fantastic response we have seen since welcoming the first patients through its doors.”

Jemma Deane, CDC operational manager, said: “We are incredibly proud of the new CDC at Southlands. My thanks go to all the hard-working teams that have allowed our vision to come to life.

“The additional diagnostic capacity provided by the CDC fosters innovation and the creation of more efficient pathways.

“This, in turn, allows us to enhance the services we offer our patients while promoting staff development in a supportive and progressive environment.”