NHS patients in east Somerset and west Dorset are set to benefit from faster access to diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments following the opening of the Yeovil Diagnostic Centre.
Developed by Prime plc in partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, the new three-storey, 2,687m² facility is located next to Yeovil District Hospital and will provide more than 70,000 diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments each year.
Open seven days a week, the centre offers MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray, alongside outpatient consultations, treatment facilities, ECHO, ECG, endoscopy and adult and paediatric audiology testing.
By moving a range of diagnostics into a dedicated environment, the centre is intended to free up capacity within the acute hospital for more complex care. Radiology and endoscopy services will be delivered by InHealth, while the Trust will provide all other diagnostic and outpatient services.
The building has been designed with a strong sustainability focus, achieving BREEAM Excellent certification and incorporating measures such as roof-mounted solar PV, air-source heat pumps, and sustainable drainage systems.
Phil Holland, Chief Investment officer at Prime, said: “The facility is a testament to the collaborative work between Prime, the Trust, InHealth, Darwin, M&G and all the organisations who contributed to its design, development and construction. The completion of the Yeovil Diagnostic Centre reinforces Prime’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality healthcare infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers and aligns with national strategy.”
Jonathan Ockrim, consultant colorectal surgeon and clinical lead for the centre, said: “The modern, state-of-the-art centre will further enhance patient experience, and will help reduce waiting times for a range of core services, ultimately meaning a much improved service for our patients.”
Nick Dawe, Managing director at Darwin Group, added: “Reducing waiting times and improving access to timely diagnostics is one of the most pressing challenges facing the NHS.”
