Extra £2m funding for Hull diagnostic health centre

Officials said the facility in Albion Square would benefit thousands of patients

A proposed NHS facility in Hull where people can go for health tests, checks and scans instead of hospital is set to receive extra funding.

The community diagnostic centre (CDC), which will be located in Albion Square, is part of a government-funded health initiative to reduce NHS waiting lists.

Hull City Council has approved putting £2m towards the scheme, bringing the total cost to £18m.

Officials said the facility would benefit thousands of patients.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the Hull centre would have the capacity to carry out 199,000 tests a year, including for cancer and heart disease.

GPs would also be able to refer patients to the facility rather than hospital.

Linda Chambers, portfolio holder for health at the authority, said she was pleased the plans had been backed and looked forward to seeing them progress in the new year.

"This will bring easily accessible healthcare to our residents," she added.

Erica Daley, from the local NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB), said the centre would help speed up the detection of serious illnesses, allowing people to be treated sooner.

Ms Daley said: "The aim of the CDC is to identify any health problems early and improve outcomes for patients with conditions including cancer, stroke, heart disease and respiratory conditions, as well as reduce waiting times and pressures on acute hospital sites."

If approved, work is expected to begin next year, with the centre opening in 2025, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.