Hilary Benn, MP for Leeds South, has officially opened the NHS Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) - Beeston in Leeds, bringing a range of health services closer to people in the community.
The CDC, operated by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, offers ultrasound, a range of cardio-respiratory services including ambulatory blood pressure tests, ECG, and sleep studies, and blood tests (phlebotomy).
GPs and hospital care teams will refer people for a required diagnostic test, at which point they will be able to select the most convenient location for them – which may be the CDC. The CDC provides an additional choice for patients and doesn’t replace any other options such as at a GP practice or major hospital.
The benefits of CDCs include bringing easier access to diagnostic services, reducing waiting times and relieving pressure on major hospital sites. If needed, they also help provide patients with the option to access multiple tests on the same day, in the same place. It’s about having the right service available and truly accessible at the right time and in a place proportionate to patient need.
Hilary Benn MP said: "This is a great new service for the people of South Leeds which will make it easier for people to get the tests they need closer to home.
“I was really impressed by the commitment and dedication of the staff and I wish them all the best for the future."
Professor Phil Wood, chief executive at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said: “I’m really pleased that Beeston CDC has received its official opening. It’s a brilliant facility that brings care closer to home for patients in the area. Inclusion and fairer access to healthcare services is a key aim and our CDCs play a key role in this.
“Well done to colleagues across the Trust who have put so much effort in to get these up and running. This facility is here for the community to use, if one of the tests we offer is needed and the location is suitable for you, please ask your GP to refer you to Beeston CDC.
“Many thanks to Mr Benn MP for performing the official opening. He has long been a supporter of our work and healthcare in Leeds and staff were so pleased to talk through what we do and how proud we are of the centre.”
Beeston CDC is in James Reed House on Town Street, Beeston. The other CDCs in Leeds are located within Armley Moor Health Centre and at Seacroft Hospital.
