A new digitised image showing how the NHS Diagnostic Hospital will look has been released after a planning application was made, following Matt’s work to secure the Hospital.
The town centre NHS Diagnostic Hospital, which will offer rapid scans, tests and checks is another step closer, after a planning application was made by Stockton on Tees Borough Council.
An application for the Tees Valley Diagnostic Centre on Stockton High Street was submitted on Thursday.
The centre, on the site of the former Castlegate Shopping Centre currently being demolished, will target improving diagnostic wait times for issues including cancer, heart and lung disease. It is predicted the Centre will provide up to 104,000 lifesaving checks every year.
The site will be equipped with several diagnostic functions including MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound scans, cardiology, x-rays, blood tests and respiratory checks.
It is hoped that the Diagnostic Hospital will bring new traction to the high street, drawing in new reasons to visit and driving up footfall in the nearby shops.
Matt Vickers said: “I’m glad that after some dedicated lobbying I was able to secure Stockton’s Community Diagnostic Hospital, one of 40 that the Conservative’s have announced to bring down our waiting lists.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone who took the time to sign my petition on the need for a Diagnostic Hospital, it was with your help we were able to secure unprecedented funding.
“The submission of the planning application is reassuring that the Council will be taking this seriously, now that the ball is in their court.
“The sooner this planning is approved and the contractors move in, the sooner our residents can access quicker diagnoses’ with shorter waiting times, lessening the pressure on the James Cook and North Tees hospitals.
“The addition of this centre will be felt across Teesside, improving health and prosperity within the community.”
Following a tender process, a building contractor has been appointed and internal designs for the centre have been agreed - with building works set to start in July, subject to planning approval.
The scheme is being led by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with support from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board.
