Extra scans available at new NHS centre in Surrey

The centre has been operational since June, but has been officially opened on Tuesday

A new NHS diagnostic centre which will offer thousands of extra MRI scans to people in Surrey has been officially opened.

An additional 11,000 MRI and 9,500 CT scans can be carried out each year at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust's new facility in Milford.

Patients have been able to use it since June, but it was officially opened on Tuesday by Surrey's Lord Lieutenant Michael More-Molyneux.

The new facility complements the services already available at the hospital, which include X-ray, ultrasound, echocardiogram and phlebotomy.

The new diagnostics centre at Milford Hospital has two MRI scanner and one CT scanner

"The centre will help improve patient experience by reducing journey times and repeat visits for many, as well as alleviating pressure on our main hospital site at Guildford" said Louise Stead, group chief executive for Royal Surrey and Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals.

"By cutting the number and distance of patient journeys, the launch of the CDC in Milford will also contribute to our trust's net zero aims of reducing carbon emissions and air pollution," added Ms Stead.