New centre in Torbay promises faster diagnosis

The new diagnostic centre in Torquay will carry out high-tech scans, including CTs, MRIs, X-rays, ultrasound and heart scans

Torbay and south Devon residents will receive faster diagnosis and treatment for a range of conditions when a new health centre opens in Torquay this summer.

The NHS community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Market Street will offer support for a range of conditions including cancer, heart and lung disease when it opens.

As well as being more convenient for patients, the centre is expected to free up teams at nearby Torbay Hospital to focus on more complex cases, as well as urgent and emergency care.

Arun Chandran, from Torbay and South Devon NHS, said the new centre would help the NHS "deliver more care closer to people’s homes".

'Step-change in diagnostics'

Mr Chandran said: "We know how worrying it can be to wait for a diagnosis of cancer or another condition, and opening the new community diagnostic centre will enable people to get a quicker diagnosis and begin any treatment they might need."

The trust will refer patients to the centre for high-tech scans, including CTs and MRIs, X-rays, ultrasound and heart scans.

The new community diagnostic centre in Torquay is one of five to be funded by NHS England South West.

Dr Michael Marsh, from NHS South West, said the centres represented a "step-change in diagnostics for patients" in the region.

He said: "We’re already bringing down long waits following the pandemic, but this will make a huge difference in our ability to diagnose people quickly and get them to treatment."