Some of the NHS staff involved in a new town health centre are highlighting some of the health issues they will be treating ahead of the service’s planned opening later this year.
The health professionals who will be working at the new community diagnostic centre in Stockton will be in specialties including radiology, cardiology, respiratory and phlebotomy.
From the new high street building they will carry out checks, tests and scans for a range of issues including cancer, lung disease and heart disease.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust who will jointly run the service, are raising the profile of some of the staff involved in the centre.
Staff have their say
This includes phlebotomist, Gillian Bate, who says:
“This diagnostic centre will allow us to take your blood sample quickly and easily in a location convenient to you.”
Dr Maya Jafari, who is a consultant radiologist, who is also part of the campaign, says:
The diagnostic centre will improve imaging service provision for better patient care."
Jennifer Caraher, senior radiographer, says:
“I will be here to produce your scans and help provide quick diagnosis, right from this new centre in Stockton.”
The new health facility
A number of profiles have been shared on hoardings around the site, which is currently under construction after building works started in September last year.
Since then, contractor Kier have made significant progress, with works set to be completed by autumn this year.
Phil Woolfall, clinical director for radiology at North Tees and Hartlepool, said: “The centre will include a range of really skilled and experienced health professionals – something we are hoping this campaign will help highlight to our community.”
“Over the coming months, people in the local area will have quicker access to scans, tests and health checks.”
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, said:
It is going to be really exciting to run a service with such a wide range of health professionals, working together all under one roof. This centre ultimately gives us the chance to diagnose any issues very quickly and help have any issues treated as soon as possible.”
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.