We’ve welcomed our first patients to the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Halifax today – and colleagues are already singing its praises.

Located in the Broad Street building in central Halifax, the CDC provides community access to numerous diagnostic tests for patients across Calderdale.  The new Centre provides planned outpatient tests, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans, as well as other diagnostic testing, including blood pressure and heart monitoring.  

Here’s what our colleagues are saying:

Radiology Admin and Patient Flow Manager, Ann Fryer, said: "There are sensory screens and all the rooms have nature themes which makes everything feel a lot calmer. It's so lovely here.

"It's been a real team effort from everyone - a special mention to Domestic Assistant, Michael Hamilton, who has been imperative to getting this building ready. He's come in over the weekend to help ensure our new CDC was ready for our first patient."

Clinical Service Manager for Non-Invasive Cardiology, Michelle Foster, said: "It’s exciting to see something come from just drawings and sketches to this. Sarah Clenton)has been pivotal in ensuring that all Team Leaders were involved in the planning and designing of the building right from the beginning. We've all had a say in the design to ensure our CDC will bring the best care closer to home for our patients."

Radiology Team Lead, Laura Huggon, said: “This building is going to really improve patient care because it relieves pressure on the main unit. It’s a lot more convenient for our community patients they don’t need to catch two buses now and hopefully this will help to reduce DNA rates.

"It’s also a lovely place to work in, it has such a relaxing feel to it. It feels more like a cafe than a clinical environment!"

Domestic Assistant, Michael Hamilton, said: "There are plenty of windows and plenty of open spaces, so it feels very light. It’s wellbeing positive."

Phlebotomist, Nengi Boyle, said: "The colours are warm, lovely and friendly."

The new building is equipped with modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. It is easily accessible to patients in the centre of Halifax, close to numerous car parks and a five-minute walk from Halifax Bus Station. 

Patients will access the CDC through referral by their GP or other hospital service, bringing care closer to home and, in some cases, removing the need to visit a hospital setting entirely.

Deputy Director of Operations and CDC Project Lead, Sarah Clenton, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to provide this excellent facility for the people of Calderdale.  

“It will make diagnostic tests more readily available to patients, enabling us to provide timely access for people who need an investigative test. 

“Having it in the centre of Halifax allows us to give greater choice to patients, whilst increasing the number of tests we can carry out.”  

Outpatient diagnostic tests are also still available at Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. 

Work is also underway to deliver a Community Diagnostic Centre on the University of Huddersfield campus, in a first-of-its-kind partnership. The new Huddersfield CDC is due to open in 2026.