Local residents should see their waits for various types of scans and screenings dramatically reduced with the opening of a new diagnostic centre in Stoke-on-Trent.

The facility, due to open in Hanley in December, is one of 13 new sites announced by the Government as part of action to reduce waiting times.

The Community Diagnostic Centre will specialise in scans including CT, MRI and X-ray as well as ultrasound, endoscopy, phlebotomy, cardiology and respiratory tests. It is expected to provide up to 85,000 checks and tests a year after it opens.

Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Jo Gideon said she was delighted and Stoke-on-Trent North MP Jonathan Gullis said it was "fantastic news".

Fellow MP Jack Brereton, who represents Stoke-on-Trent South, has also welcomed the announcement.

It is hoped that the new facility will reduce pressure on Royal Stoke University Hospital (SWNS).

He said: "This is exactly the sort of new NHS facility we need locally. This new facility will offer a higher number of scans and tests for patients in North Staffordshire, helping reduce the pressure especially on Royal Stoke.

"I commend the work of our local NHS in quickly progressing this new facility, which will ensure doctors and nurses can prioritise workloads more easily and ensure patients gain access to a range of tests much more quickly. This fantastic new facility will make it easier for people across Stoke-on-Trent to access NHS services, ensuring that people are receiving the highest standard of care as and when they need it the most."

University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) Trust, which runs Royal Stoke and Stafford's County Hospital, is working to tackle backlogs for planned procedures. Endoscopy has been highlighted as an area of concern in diagnostics during recent board meetings.

Tracy Bullock, UHNM's chief executive, said: "The opening of the new Community Diagnostic Centre is really exciting for Stoke-on-Trent. It will mean we will have a diagnostic centre in the heart of the community.

"It will allow us be able to provide a much wider range of diagnostic testing including X-rays, colonoscopy and blood tests. This will enable UHNM to increase the amount of diagnostic testing we do for our patients which will result in earlier diagnosis and they will be treated sooner."

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