A WIRRAL diagnostics centre set up to reduce NHS waiting lists has welcomed it’s 100,000th patient.

Clatterbridge Diagnostics Centre was set up in July 2021 as a partnership between Wirral University Teaching Hospital and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

It was one of 92 diagnostics hubs, also called Community Diagnostics Centres, set up nationally through funding from NHS England.

Grandmother Vivien Wharton, 69, from Pensby, was the 100,000th patient to be seen at the centre, after being referred by her GP.

Vivien said: “I was pleasantly surprised at how quick it was to be seen after being referred by the GP.

“I had scans and I was only in there for literally minutes.

“All the staff were professional and very friendly. I was very impressed. It was a really nice surprise to be the 100,000th patient.”

Clatterbridge Diagnostics Centre offers patients a range of diagnostic facilities such as MRI and CT scans, cardiorespiratory, phlebotomy and ultrasound.

Situated away from acute hospital facilities at Clatterbridge, patients benefit from quicker tests for a wide range of conditions including heart disease, lung conditions and cancer, designated appointment times and greater convenience, whilst also helping to reduce the pressure on acute hospitals.

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “It’s important that patients are treated as soon as possible, and the Diagnostics Centre has been key to achieving this.

“Patients are getting faster access to investigations which supports earlier diagnosis. This centre has benefitted 100,000 patients and has had a huge impact on many patients’ lives since it was set up.”