The Devon Diagnostic Centre is celebrating reaching a major milestone recently, with over 200,000 patients having now received a diagnostic test there.
The Devon Diagnostic Centre is a state-of-the-art community diagnostic centre (CDC), which is based at the Nightingale Hospital Exeter. It opened in 2021 and offers routine medical imaging services to patients, including CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, EOS, and fluoroscopy tests.
This achievement reflects the dedication of the hard-working teams and the positive impact the CDC is having in helping patients get the right tests, at the right time, closer to home.
A patient who recently attended an appointment at the centre provided this feedback: “Everything was good! Wonderful staff that attended me with the scan - very helpful and caring. Nothing could have been better.”
The work of the CDC is vital in reducing waiting times for medical imaging diagnostic tests, meaning patients are able to get their symptoms checked and receive a potentially life-saving diagnosis more quickly.
This wide range of technology in a single location gives patients access to a coordinated set of diagnostic tests, away from busy acute hospitals, in fewer visits, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of a range of conditions.
From April 2025 the MRI service became fully operational seven days a week, offering even more flexibility and access for patients.
Steve Barry, Superintendent Radiographer said: "We’re really proud to have reached this milestone at the Devon Diagnostic Centre. The CDC at the Nightingale Hospital Exeter has reduced waiting times for patients who need early access to imaging in the community.
The environment is relaxed for the patients and takes pressures away from the acute sites meaning everyone gets better access to timely examinations. This is down to the great efforts from a diverse team of staff who often go above and beyond to care for the people visiting the site"
Referrals to the centre come through GPs, Trust specialty teams and specialist one-stop pathways at the Buttercup Outpatient Unit at the Nightingale Hospital. Medical Imaging services are provided predominantly on site at the Nightingale Hospital Exeter with some tests being provided at the Royal Devon and Exeter (Wonford) Hospital.
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