Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has urged constituents across Hinckley and Bosworth to have their say on proposals for the £14.5 million Community Diagnostic Centre at Hinckley Hospital.
The public consultation, open from January 23rd to March 8th, gives the community a chance to ensure any health or accessibility needs are accommodated and provided for.
Dr Evans said “I know many people have concerns about this being another consultation and whether the CDC is really going to happen. Well this isn’t about if it will happen, but how it will happen! There is a big difference, and that’s why I’m keen to make sure people are aware so that the plans can accommodate the needs of our community.”
Following support by the area’s MP of their application, the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) received funding of £14.5 million from the Government to build a new Community Diagnostic Centre on the Hinckley and District Hospital site at Mount Road.
The Centre would provide a one-stop-shop for over 125,000 health tests, scans and checks to be conducted locally per year, allowing people who have an illness or health concern to be diagnosed closer to home.
Dr Evans has also supported the LLR ICB with their business case proposal to unlock a further £7.35 million from NHS England for a Day Case Unit, providing planned surgical procedures in hospital for patients who would then be able to return home on the same day.
The proposals also include moving the physiotherapy facilities currently provided from a portacabin on the Mount Road site into the Hinckley Hub on Rugby Road and carrying out improvements to the interior of Hinckley Health Centre.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said: “I was pleased to support the application by local NHS stakeholders who have done a wonderful job in coming together to secure a £14.5 million Community Diagnostic Centre in Hinckley, and welcome the ICB moving quickly on this.
“One of my promises to our community was to champion local healthcare, so I was delighted to support the ICB’s application and make the case for this funding for Hinckley Hospital to the Health Secretary, knowing just how crucial early diagnosis can be for patients.
“This funding is fantastic news for people across Bosworth as it will mean we can conduct 125,000 tests and checks – such as MRI and CT scans, X-Rays and blood tests – right on our doorstep, saving local people time and bolstering healthcare provisions for our area.
“Now that the money is there, we must get onto delivery. I urge everyone in our area to take this opportunity and have their say in developing the plans!”
Helen Mather, Associate Director of Elective Care, Cancer and Diagnostics at the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board, said: “With the recent government investment in new Community Diagnostic Centres, we now have a fantastic opportunity to provide more services closer to patients’ homes, in modern, fit for purpose buildings that meet the needs of a growing and ageing population.
“It has also long been recognised that conditions at the hospital, which was built in 1899, are difficult for both patients and staff, with a need for more modern facilities.
“It is really important that people have the opportunity to look at our proposals, ask questions and tell us their views and I really encourage people who use or may use services in Hinckley to get involved.”
People can have their say on the proposals ahead of the March 8th deadline via www.HaveYourSayHinckley.co.uk
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