A brand new £3.5 million imaging suite with state-of-the-art technology is being built at Dudley’s Guest Outpatient Centre for patients who need an MRI or CT scan.
The new facilities at Tipton Road will be able to handle almost 20,000 extra scans a year and reduce waiting times for patients.
All patients sent for an MRI or CT scan by their GP will no longer have to visit Russells Hall Hospital or Corbett Outpatient Centre but will, instead, go to Guest.
“This is very exciting news for our patients,” said Dr Alec Wolinski, Chief of Clinical Support at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.
“Providing scanning facilities closer to patients’ homes will not only be more convenient but will also free up scanners at Russells Hall Hospital for inpatients and those needing emergency imaging.”
The Trust is spending £2 million to adapt the existing building and the remaining £1.5 million is to be spent on the equipment.
“The MRI and CT kit will be the ‘best of breed’ and allow us to maintain a high quality service,” added Dr Wolinski.
To manage the extra number of patients attending Guest, an extra 22 car park spaces are being provided for staff and visitors.
Building work is due to begin on 31st July 2017 and will last three months. The suite is expected to be fully operational by 1st November 2017.
This is part of a programme of major capital investment improving the healthcare for the patients of Dudley. Work is due to start on a brand new purpose-built urgent care centre at Russells Hall Hospital in August.
