Health chiefs across the NHS in Norfolk and Waveney are calling on local people to give their opinions on proposed new centres for diagnostic tests.

Under the plans, which are being led by partner organisations in the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System (ICS), new centres will be created to transform how services such as scans, blood tests, heart and lung tests, diabetes tests and endoscopies are carried out, helping to enhance the overall health of local communities.

When completed, these centres, which are for outpatient diagnostic tests, will not only make services more accessible and convenient for patients, they will also help to improve outcomes for patients with cancer and other serious conditions by speeding up diagnosis and subsequent treatments.

The centres, which are part of a national programme, will improve patient waiting times, reduce the chance of last-minute cancellations of non-urgent procedures, and, enable patients to get multiple tests at the same visit.

As part of the scheme, Norfolk and Waveney ICS has launched a survey to find out what local people think about the plans and what services they would most like to see provided at the centres.

Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “Faster and earlier diagnosis saves lives. The creation of these centres gives patients access to higher quality care that is delivered much more efficiently and the ability to get answers about their health much more quickly.

“We are thrilled to be in a position where we can engage with local people to gain an understanding of what they would like to see in the new diagnostics centres in their communities.

“There’s no question that patient care will be greatly enhanced – from being able to deliver results faster, to ensure services such as ECGs, echocardiograms, scans and endoscopies are still able to go ahead without being impacted by emergency procedures. We are confident that these new centres will help the health of our local communities improve.”

The centres, which will be located in a number of communities across Norfolk and Waveney, are in the planning stage and feedback from local people is being requested to inform the planning of these centres at an early stage.

Tracey added: “It’s vital that we hear what people have to say on the plans though and we are looking to our people and communities to help shape how their local hub will look, what services they will provide and how they will access it.

“We really want the centres to have people at the core, so we are looking forward to working with everyone from the start to deliver this exciting project.”

For more information on how to take part and have your say, visit: https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/diagnostics-centres-in-the-community/