New unit aims to drive down waiting lists

The Buttercup Unit is at the Nightingale Hospital which was built as a Covid-19 hospital

A new hospital unit has been opened in Exeter with the aim of reducing waiting lists.

The Buttercup Unit is at the Nightingale Hospital which was built as a Covid-19 hospital and is now an elective and diagnostic care hub.

The unit offers cardiology, respiratory and gastroenterology diagnostic services, with more services being introduced throughout the summer, said a spokesperson.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said it hoped the new unit would mean patients needed fewer trips into hospital and got their diagnosis and treatment faster.

Deputy chief executive officer Chris Tidman said: "The intention is that people will come in, have their scan, have their consultation and then they will have a clear plan, so it's all about speeding up waiting times."

The nightingale was now a "truly world class facility, offering speedy and high-quality care to the people of Devon", he said.

"We know there are people who are still waiting too long for treatment across Devon, but the Nightingale Hospital has been a key part of our recovery and has given us real hope for the future."