Building works on a new NHS centre offering quick access to health checks, tests and scans have reached a key milestone as it moves closer to its opening date.
Since the first spade went into the ground at a special event in September, construction of the Tees Valley Community Diagnostic Centre in Stockton has progressed at pace.
Over the last few days, works to fix the steel structure of the building into position – totalling around 1,200 pieces of steel fit over a five week period – have been completed by Kier Group.
The next stage of works will involve the construction of concrete floor slabs and the completion of drainage works for the site.
It will provide rapid tests for a range of health issues including cancer, heart and lung disease.
Phil Woolfall, clinical director for radiology at North Tees and Hartlepool, said: “It is fantastic to see the progress being made in just a matter of weeks – I want to thank Kier and everyone involved in this.
“Very soon, our community will have rapid access to scans, tests and health checks in a new facility outside of hospital.”
The site will provide a number of diagnostic functions including MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound scans, cardiology, x-rays, blood tests and respiratory checks.
Simon Milburn, clinical director for radiology at South Tees Hospitals, said: “This centre gives us the chance to carry out more tests and checks to people who need it, giving them the answers they need to health issues.
“All of this will happen off the busy acute hospital sites we run, in the Stockton town centre where so many people live and can transport into.”
Dan Doherty, regional director for Kier Construction North and Scotland, said: “It’s great to see such rapid progress at the site of the new Tees Valley health centre. We have a strong track record of delivering modern, purpose-built healthcare facilities to a high standard and the completion of the steel frame brings us one step closer to providing the local community with access to a care hub that will offer scans, tests and health checks.”
The centre sits on the southern end of a wider transformation of the waterfront led by Stockton Borough Council, which will include an urban park for community events.