New cardio suite to allow more tests at hospital

The new cardio suite is part of wider development plans at the community hospital

A new cardio suite will create about 100,000 more diagnostic tests and save Woking residents travelling to other hospitals.

The cardio and respiratory diagnostic suite opened on Thursday at Woking Community Hospital.

Project Director Stephen Hepworth said it was a "significant milestone" in the development plans for the hospital.

Plans also include room upgrades for anti-coagulation and phlebotomy services and a new main reception.

Tom Smerdon, director of strategy and sustainability at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, said Woking residents were currently travelling to Ashford, Camberley, Guildford or Chertsey for most diagnostic outpatient appointments.

He said the facility would create about 100,000 more tests a year, and would mean residents would not need to travel outside the borough.

Mr Smerdon added: “We were delighted to have Rotary in Woking and The Friends of Woking Community Hospital join us to celebrate the opening of this new suite.

"Both charities have played key roles in supporting the development, through helping to fund pieces of equipment and furniture for the suite, alongside our Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals’ Charity."

The new facility is part of wider plans for community diagnostic centres across Surrey.