It was great attend the opening of the Community Diagnostic centre at Walton Hospital and speak to Health Minister, James Frith MP about the Centre and the impact it will have on waiting times.
Transcript
Toby Perkins MP: So, I am here with James Frith, the Member of Parliament in Bury North and importantly today, Health Minister. Here, been opening the new Diagnostic Unit here at Walton Hospital. James, Thanks so much for coming down. Just tell us about what you’ve actually seen today.
James Frith MP: Well, look. Your community can be very proud of the work that’s happened so quickly. I think the Centre itself opened in September. We have just opened the second part of it, and this is cutting edge technology, right? Right in the heart of the community, served by hi-tech equipment, really well-trained staff. Seeing lots more people.
Toby: It certainly is and we are hearing today, 72,000 people had tests here since September. I mean, how important do you think it is that we drive down those waiting times and get people seen more quickly?
James: It’s so important. 71,000 tests since September last year as part of its role in driving down the waiting lists in hospitals of which 300,000 have come down since the election.
It’s moving out of NHS hospitals into NHS Community Centres and that’s part of our shift from analogue to digital, to preventative care to from just treating illnesses and accessing this incredible, cutting-edge equipment.
Toby: And it was amazing to hear today that from the Government announcing the £5 million spend for phase 2 to the first patient being seen was 10 months. You know, we are all used to these projects taking such a long time but how important is it that we actually make sure that that NHS spend turns into patient experience so quickly?
James: It’s really important, whether that’s through the planning stages, whether that’s accessing the materials, whether that’s having the expertise on hand or indeed a site that’s ready to go. This is really important. It’s part of the wider reforms that the Government is making, across the piece but of course, as well, input from local community because ultimately, it’s bringing healthcare closer to the community that’s so important. So, I hope your constituents will learn of it. They can be assured of the quality and the hi-tech nature of it.
Toby: So, getting those tests quickly is so important and thanks for being here to open it up.