Construction work on a new Diagnostic Centre is underway at James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which will provide patients with better access to modern imaging and scanning equipment, and earlier diagnoses of conditions.

The James Paget’s Diagnostic Centre will feature a new MRI and CT scanner, additional Ultrasound imaging equipment and an X-ray room. These are used for diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, trauma, musculoskeletal diseases, and neurological conditions.

The development is part of a project that will see new diagnostic facilities at each of the three hospitals in Norfolk and Waveney, funded through an £85.9 million capital investment from the Department of Health and Social Care. Each centre will recruit additional staff, including radiographers, radiologists and support staff, to deliver scans and support patients.

Anita Haylett, Interim Diagnostic Imaging Service Manager at the James Paget, said:

“This is an exciting day for patients and the James Paget Hospital. This centre will provide some much needed additional imaging capacity which will reduce waiting times for patients and improve health outcomes, utilising a new modern facility with state of the art equipment.”

“The building of the Diagnostic Centres also demonstrates the increasing collaboration across the three hospitals in Norfolk and Waveney, and takes us closer to transforming imaging availability within our communities.”

Construction partner R G Carter began building work in early July, and the Diagnostic Centre is scheduled to be operational by summer 2024. The centre is located to the north of the James Paget’s site, adjacent to the Louise Hamilton Centre and the recently opened Concept Ward.

Mario Rackham, Director and General Manager at R G Carter, said:

“We are extremely proud to be continuing our long-standing relationship with the NHS and joining with them to mark the start of construction for this new Diagnostic Centre at the James Paget Hospital.”

“We look forward to providing this state-of-the-art facility for the benefit of both the patients, and all the amazing staff in their ongoing commitment to delivering vital healthcare services to the local community.”

The Diagnostic Centre is part of the long term plan for the James Paget’s estate, ahead of ongoing planning for a new hospital for the Trust to be delivered by 2030.