^{Image credit: NHS North Cumbria Integrated Care.}

Work has now started on a £19 million Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) build in Workington town centre. 

It will be located next to Cumberland Council’s government funded Innovation Hub which is also under development in Central Way.

GRAHAM is the principal construction contractor for the development which is expected to open to patients in spring 2025.

Referrals to diagnostic services in North Cumbria have doubled over the past three years which has led to longer waiting times.

The new CDC hopes to provide a more permanent solution separate to the busy acute hospital sites. MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound scanning facilities will be available as well as consultation facilities.

Faster diagnostics is key to diagnosing a range of conditions, including cancer, as early as possible. 

If a patient needs more than one type of scan, the Centre will aim to provide them in one visit to reduce travelling and waiting times for diagnoses.

Dr Madhu Varma, clinical director of speciality medicine and consultant cardiologist, said: “Our teams have been working hard to recover from the long-lasting impact that COVID-19 had on our waiting lists and are we are making good progress.

"By providing more diagnostics, this will help with quicker diagnoses of a range of conditions.”

Allerdale Borough Council had previously supported the development with land allocation and this support is now continuing through Cumberland Council.

Varma added: “When determining the location for the Centre, we considered population demand and health needs as well as travel distance and access. Workington town centre is the ideal location for the CDC and is accessible via public transport.

"Being next to Cumberland Council’s Innovation Hub also presents excellent opportunities to work in partnership."