Healthwatch Report Highlights the Successes and Challenges of Community Diagnostic Centres
Healthwatch England has released a comprehensive report shedding light on patient experiences, using Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) across the country, including Lancashire.
The report, A Local Diagnosis: Learning the Lessons of Community Diagnostic Centres, published on August 28th 2024, provides valuable insights into the successes and areas for improvement in these vital healthcare facilities.
CDCs offer patients a wide range of diagnostic tests closer to home and with greater choice on where and how they are undertaken, than in an acute hospital setting, enabling treatment to start sooner.
In Lancashire, Healthwatch visited the dedicated CDC site at Preston Healthport.
Positive Patient Experiences
Healthwatch’s report reveals that 93% of patients reported positive experiences at CDCs. Patients appreciated the convenience and efficiency of these centres, with 70% of respondents stating they could reach a CDC within 30 minutes, and 26% within an hour. The quick turnaround for diagnostic tests was a significant factor, with 31% of the public prioritising speed when choosing a diagnostic facility.
Accessibility Issues
Despite the positive feedback, the report highlights several accessibility challenges. Many patients (78%) were not offered a choice of location or time for their appointments, which posed difficulties for those with specific needs.
Accessibility issues were identified at several sites, including barriers for deaf individuals, people with hearing loss, mobility difficulties, autism, and dementia. There were also concerns about meeting communication needs and providing adequate English language interpretation.
Recommendations for Improvement
Based on the findings, Healthwatch England has proposed several recommendations to enhance the patient experience at CDCs. These include:
- Improved information availability: Ensuring up-to-date and detailed information about CDCs, such as opening times, services offered, and locations, is readily accessible to patients and healthcare providers.
- Accessibility enhancements: Conducting independent reviews of site accessibility. Identify and address communication and accessibility needs and list accessibility information online.
- Travel information: Providing clear information about travel options to CDCs through the NHS Service Finder and in referral letters, along with better signposting for parking and travel cost support.
Read the full report here.
If you have used CDC facilities, please tell us about your experience at info@healthwatchlancashire.co.uk or call 01524 239100.