Yeovil Diagnostic Centre opens to deliver quicker tests and appointments
New NHS facility promises cutting-edge care for Yeovil and North Dorset
A new state-of-the-art diagnostic centre officially opened next to Yeovil District Hospital this week.
The Yeovil Diagnostic Centre, run by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with InHealth, is set to welcome its first patients on 21st January 2024. The facility will deliver over 70,000 diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments every year for people in Yeovil, North Dorset, and surrounding areas.
This marks the latest step in healthcare developments in the wider area, following the opening of the Taunton Diagnostic Centre in 2021 and the continuing development of Bridgwater Diagnostic Centre, expected to launch in 2026.
H2 - Enhanced care for patients
Consultant colorectal surgeon Mr Jonathan Ockrim, clinical lead for the Yeovil Diagnostic Centre at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, described the new facility as “fantastic news” for the local area.
“The modern, state-of-the-art centre will further enhance patient experience and help reduce waiting times for core services, ultimately meaning a much-improved service for our patients,” Ockrim said.
The centre has been developed to align with the government’s aim of expanding diagnostic facilities separate from acute hospitals.
Dr Cenydd Thomas, a consultant radiologist at Yeovil Hospital, highlighted the benefits the centre will bring to patients, including quicker access to tests thanks to its purpose-built design and extended opening hours.
“It will bring significant benefits for our patients,” Thomas said. “Having a modern, purpose-built diagnostic centre right next to the hospital – open seven days a week – means they’ll be able to access the tests they need far more quickly.”
Thomas also acknowledged the upgraded equipment featured in the facility: “Our colleagues are really excited to use the latest state-of-the-art equipment in the centre. Diagnostic images will be clearer than we’ve ever seen before.”
H2 - Available services
The centre’s upstairs area, managed directly by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, offers:
Audiology diagnostic and rehabilitative services for adults and children, equipped with specialist soundproof rooms
An ear, nose and throat (ENT) unit delivering diagnostic and treatment services alongside audiology
Respiratory diagnostic services
A new cardiology department offering diagnostic and outpatient services
The ground floor, operated by independent partner InHealth, features endoscopy and imaging services, including MRI, CT, X-ray, and ultrasound facilities.
Geoff Searle, Chief Executive of InHealth, said: “We’re proud to have worked in partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to provide key clinical services to the local population through this new centre.”
H2 - Collaborative effort
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust partnered with Prime plc, specialist health and care developers, to deliver the facility through its Strategic Estates Partnership, with construction managed by Darwin Group and investment from M&G.
Dr Trevor Smith, NHS England’s Medical Director for the South West, highlighted the procurement process’s role: “It’s good to see our South West-wide procurement coming to fruition to make access easier and reduce waiting times. This should make a real difference for local patients.”
Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth also spoke about the importance of Community Diagnostic Centres: “The NHS should fit around patients’ lives, not the other way around, and that’s why this new facility is such good news for people in Yeovil, North Dorset, and the surrounding area.”
Local MP Adam Dance expressed his appreciation for the new centre, saying: “This new diagnostics facility at Yeovil Hospital is a fantastic facility for local people and a real step forward for our community… Faster and easier access to scans and tests will make a huge difference for patients, helping people get answers sooner and start treatment more quickly.”
Dance extended his thanks to NHS staff and teams for their work in making the centre a reality.