New mobile MRI and CT scanners will be used to help diagnose patients across the Humber, Coast and Vale region as part of an £8.6 million investment in improved diagnostic services.
The aim of the investment is to help us to see patients more quickly, closer to their own homes, by moving the scanners around a number of different locations across the region.
Not only will this be more convenient for you, but it could help us to carry out an additional 500 CT and 500 MRI scans a month, cutting down waiting times and getting you the treatment you need more quickly.
The funding was secured by the Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership (Integrated Care System) from a £350 million national pot, announced by the Government on October 1.
The funding was made available to help regional healthcare providers offer more diagnostic services in the community, reducing the need to come into hospital for tests.
This additional mobile capacity will contribute towards the national combined 2.8 million scans in their first full year of operation.
Improved service
The investment in improved diagnostic services and resulting increase in scanning capability will help to achieve:
- earlier diagnoses for patients through easier, faster, and more direct access to the MRI and CT scans needed to understand patients’ symptoms and direct them to the right care as soon as possible
- a reduction in hospital visits which will help to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission
- a contribution to the NHS’ net zero ambitions by providing multiple tests at one visit, reducing the number of patient journeys and helping to cut carbon emissions and air pollution.
Making it easier to access diagnostic services will also support the implementation of better pathways of care in key areas, including cancer, cardiac and respiratory care.
Dr Nigel Wells, a GP and HCV Partnership (ICS) Clinical Lead, said: “Our local teams have already made great progress in ramping-up scans and tests back up to pre-pandemic levels. This new investment will help us go even further, whilst also providing a more convenient model of service delivery for patients.”
GPs will be able to refer patients to more locally based services so they can access life-saving checks closer to home and be diagnosed for a range of conditions, rather than travelling to hospital.
This will be more convenient for patients, more efficient and more resilient to the risk of cancelled tests in hospitals due to COVID-19.
