Chris Kamara opens new NHS health centre

Mr Kamara said it was a "privilege" to open the centre

TV personality and former footballer Chris Kamara has opened a health centre aimed at speeding up diagnoses of cancer and heart disease for patients.

Mr Kamara, who managed Bradford City and Stoke before becoming a popular personality on Sky Sports, cut the ribbon outside Wakefield's Community Diagnostic Centre earlier.

The centre, based at Westgate Retail Park close to the city centre, will offer appointments to patients who do not need to stay in hospital.

Mr Kamara, who was awarded the freedom of Wakefield earlier this year, said it was a "privilege" to officially open the venue, which has been operational since March.

X-rays, ultrasounds, bone-density scans and blood tests are among the NHS services being offered at the centre.

Mr Kamara said: "I’m passionate about supporting my local hospital Trust because I know how much it means to the people of Wakefield and surrounding areas.

"I hope everyone will share my pride today as we celebrate having a new state-of-the-art healthcare facility in our city.”

Len Richards, chief executive of the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said he was "delighted" the centre had opened.

He added: "There is no doubt that it will help more people to receive the tests and scans they need to speed up the diagnosis of illnesses like cancer and heart disease ultimately helping to improve health outcomes for our communities."

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