Third CDC Tour at Walton Hospital

Today (Thursday, 10 April) in the beautiful sunshine, we held our third Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) tour, where colleagues from both Trusts working in partnership on the build were invited for a preview tour.

The Community Diagnostic Centre at Walton Hospital will provide patients with a ‘one-stop-shop’ for diagnostic tests and services, including blood tests, point-of-care testing, CT and MRI scanning and will enable quicker diagnoses and treatment plans for conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues.

Colleagues from Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS FT (CRH) and Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS FT (DCHS) attended the tour to learn more about the development and see a sneak peek of the purpose-built structure that is quickly coming to life!

Hosted by Jude Navesey, CDC Programme Lead, those attending started the tour at the main entrance way and were shown how the build is developing; visiting all the clinic rooms, adjoining corridors and clinical and non-clinical areas, which includes a beverage room for colleagues, a sensory room and a shared reception space.

Also joining the tour was local photographer Scott Antcliffe, who has kindly donated his photographs to use throughout the centre. Bluebell Woods, an image voted for by colleagues and members of the public, will be on display in the main reception once open.

Scott said: “Wow! I’ve never had my images printed that big before… it’s bigger than I thought it would be. I’m so honoured, thank you!

“If my images can help people feel less worried about an appointment then that is great. It’s nice to give future patients an opportunity to feel relaxed at their time in need, or if they are going through a difficult time. I believe in doing good deeds as it all comes back around – and the NHS has been there for me when I have needed it, so it’s an honour to give back.”

Jude said: “Thank you to everyone who joined today’s tour – it was great to see colleagues from both Trusts, and of course Scott.

“Every time I see the development, I notice how much hard work and dedication is going into the build from everyone, with significant progress taking place all the time. We are getting nearer and nearer to completion and it is amazing to see the centre really taking shape.

“I am so proud to show colleagues and members of the public around and demonstrate how hard we have worked to consider every patient and their individual needs, whether that is through accessibility, wider access, sensory spaces, and how we have worked together with colleagues from DCHS to enhance their already beautiful site and ensure the CDC is welcoming for all visitors.

“I can’t wait until we welcome our first patient in late Summer, and I am looking forward to offering more tours over the coming months, and seeing even more change and progress!”  

DCHS colleagues Janet Davies, Head of Servicing, Hazel Lea, Business Manager to the Medical Director and Staff Governor and Yvonne Cohen, Research Governor Officer also attended the tour.

Together they said: “It’s so much bigger inside than it looks from the outside, and we are very impressed with the size, the space and the accommodation in general. It is very multifunctional, and it is great how every little detail has been thought of to make patients’ experiences great.

“It was also brilliant to see staff wellbeing as a priority, from the beverage room to the changing room, to the planned seating and green spaces outside.

“I certainly recommend both colleagues and members of the public joining any upcoming tours – it was brilliant to see the build come to life and to be able to see a sneak peek before the official opening!”

Upcoming tours have been fully booked, but we hope to arrange more dates in the near future. For colleagues, please keep an eye out for upcoming dates through our internal newsletters, and for members of the public, please stay tuned across our website, social media and Members’ Updates.