On Wednesday 28 February, senior colleagues from Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) joined construction specialists, IHP Vinci, to officially commence the next phase of development for the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Montagu Hospital.
The ground breaking ceremony marked the commencement of a 13-month programme to expand CDC services within the Mexborough site. This includes the construction of a purpose-built unit equipped with a CT and MRI scanner.
It is anticipated that works will be complete by March 2025, with the service opening to patients at that time.
In attendance were clinicians from the Medical Imaging service, the project delivery team from DBTH, ProCure 23 Partners Integrated Health Projects (IHP), and P+HS Architects. This development represents the third and final phase of the CDC project, aiming to extend diagnostic services at Montagu Hospital for the benefit of the Dearne Valley area.
The initial phase of the CDC began in 2021, commissioning the first of two CDCs in the South Yorkshire area It initially offered patient screening via a mobile MRI unit and an on-site CT scanner. Further funding enhanced the CDC, incorporating an endoscopy suite within the 'Rotunda' area, a prominent feature in Montagu Hospital.
Opened to the public in November of the previous year, this second phase included training facilities and multifunctional clinic rooms, featuring ultrasound.
This project marks the final phase of the CDC, introducing a purpose-built unit housing a Static CT, MRI, and ultrasound scanning facilities, with potential for additional diagnostic services at the Montagu site. The medical imaging service will retain mobile scanner units on-site during the new facility's completion next Spring.
Accompanying this building will be a new substation supporting the energy requirements for the scanners and accommodating potential expansion or additional services, ensuring the future-proofing of the Montagu site.
In the past year, the CDC service has experienced significant growth, completing over 30,000 tests, including endoscopy, CT and MRI, ultrasound, and cardiorespiratory testing. This figure is projected to double in the coming year, with 68,000 procedures. This expansion brings crucial diagnostics to a location that offers patients increased choice, convenience, and accessibility.
In recent years, Montagu Hospital has received £40 million in investment to redevelop the site. This has also included the introduction of Montagu Elective Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence (MEOC), providing those awaiting surgery better access to treatment and reducing waiting times regionally.
Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive at DBTH, said: “The ground breaking ceremony marks an important step for our Trust to ensure it brings services closer to our community.
“Patients benefit from services delivered locally in healthcare settings away from traditional hospitals, whilst freeing up acute hospital facilities for urgent treatment. The increased range of healthcare provision at Montagu, including the CDC and MEOC services, offers our patients more options and provides much needed additional capacity in our efforts to reduce the time patients wait for diagnosis and treatment.”
For more information about the CDC at Montagu, visit www.dbth.nhs.uk/community-diagnostic-centre-at-montagu-hospital/