£18million funding secured to expand the Community Diagnostic Centre at the Nightingale Hospital Exeter

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has secured £18million in national funding to expand the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at the Nightingale Hospital Exeter. This investment means patients will have quicker and easier access to important tests and scans, helping to reduce waiting times and improving patient care.

The investment, provided through the Department of Health and Social, will enable the CDC to incorporate additional scanning tests and associated support spaces within a single, purpose-built hub at the Nightingale Hospital Exeter.  

The expansion will see the installation of three MRI scanners and three CT scanners, including a state-of-the-art Photon counting CT scanner, replacing leased modular units which will increase diagnostic capacity. Co-locating different types of diagnostic imaging will support higher productivity, improved efficiency, and provide greater flexibility, supporting the national drive for early diagnosis and treatment. 

Chris Tidman, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, the Royal Devon, said: "This funding marks a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering world-class diagnostic services for the people of Devon. By expanding the CDC, we will improve access, efficiency, and patient experience, ensuring our community receives the best possible care."  

John Finn, Acting Chief Operating Officer, NHS Devon, added: "The CDC expansion will help us meet rising demand for diagnostics, reduce waiting times, and support the health and wellbeing of our population. We are proud to support this vital investment." 

The centre will also implement advanced digital solutions such as Deep Resolve software, enabling faster MRI scans and improved imaging quality.  

Patients will also notice improvements to reception and waiting areas, improved facilities, and greater accessibility arrangements. The Trust is making sure the new facilities are energy efficient and meet NHS sustainability guidelines, showing a commitment to both patient care and the environment. 

The CDC expansion is just one of the ways we are investing in our facilities and upgrading our spaces to deliver excellent patient facilities and a great place to work for our colleagues, using external funding.  

Other projects that are either underway or where funding commitments have been given include: 

• new single MRI suite at North Devon District Hospital 
• new hybrid theatre at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford) 
• new surgical hub at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Heavitree) 
• a new NIHR research hub in North Devon 
• new hospital residences at North Devon District Hospital as part of the Our Future Hospital Programme.
• delivering enhanced Same-Day Emergency Care facilities at both Exeter and Barnstaple.

These schemes are part of a programme of investment totalling over £80m over the next two to three years to modernise our estate, so that we can deliver high-quality and efficient care to our patients.