A £42.6 million community-based diagnostic hub is set to open in Stoke-on-Trent in April.

The Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), located at the old Sainsbury's site in Hanley, is designed to provide people with faster, more convenient access to essential diagnostic services. 

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) explained that patients will be able to access services including CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray and phlebotomy without the need to travel to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

The UHNM executive team recently visited the site to see first-hand the progress being made ahead of its planned April opening.

Dr Simon Constable, chief executive, said: "Early diagnosis is vital to improving outcomes for our patients.

"The Stoke-on-Trent CDC puts high-quality diagnostic services right in the heart of the community, making it easier for people to access the tests they need without the need to attend a hospital site.

"This additional capacity will help us reduce waiting times and deliver care in a way that is more convenient and centred around our patients."

The Stoke-on-Trent CDC is expected to deliver up to 85,000 checks and scans each year, increasing diagnostic capacity and helping with earlier diagnosis and quicker treatment decisions for patients.

Dr Ann-Marie Morris, deputy medical director, said: "This is a fantastic, purpose-built facility with state-of-the-art equipment that will provide an excellent environment for both patients and staff."

She also explained that the location in Hanley, close to where people live and work, will make the service accessible.

Developments in January have included infection prevention testing of the sample room, delivery of CT scanners, the ordering of equipment and medicines, and further development of staff parking plans. 

Lorraine Whitehead, director of estates, facilities and PFI, said: "Every time I visit the site it has been further transformed.

"It has been fantastic to see the progress being made and how quickly the building is becoming a modern clinical facility."

Lorraine also thanked the estates and projects teams as well as the contractors who have been working to ensure that the centre is delivered on time.

Deonne Lee, senior programme manager for strategy and information, said: "It has been great to show the executive team around the site and highlight the progress that has been made in recent weeks.

"The building has moved on significantly from being an empty shell and is now taking shape as a fully operational diagnostic centre that will soon be ready to welcome patients."