In 2021, the UK government announced plans for Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) to make diagnostic tests more accessible and reduce hospital pressure. The James Paget University Hospital (JPUH) opened one in July 2024, and another is planned for the Northgate Hospital site in Great Yarmouth. These centres aim to provide more convenient, local access to services such as CT scans, MRI, and blood tests.
Healthwatch Norfolk gathered feedback from the public, patients, and hospital staff to understand their views and needs related to these new centres. The project spanned a period before and after the JPUH CDC opened. We received survey responses from 130 patients and carers and 12 staff, plus gathered feedback from 43 patients and visitors to the centres, and 6 hospital volunteers through a focus group.
What did people say?
We found most people were supportive of the idea, had a positive experience when they visited, and liked the availability of appointments between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week. There were some concerns raised about parking and accessibility though.
Based on the findings, the report suggests the following:
Improved Signage: Install clear directional signs from car parks to the centre, and provide more detailed directions and maps in appointment letters.
Enhanced Parking Options: Increase accessible parking spots and consider a parking system to better manage visitor flow.
Ongoing Engagement: Continue collecting feedback from patients, visitors and staff to ensure the centres continue to meet evolving needs.
Support for Staff: Involve staff in development discussions to improve workplace conditions.
Adequate Resource: Ensure there is enough staff to effectively deliver the service at the CDCs without detrimentally impacting service delivery at the JPUH.
Your views have already helped make changes
The hospital says it has already acted on some of the changes above including improved signing, asking volunteers to help patients find their way, and discussing accessibility needs with patients and carers pre-appointment since receiving the report.
