Community Diagnostic Centres
Give your Community Diagnostic Centre the treatment it deserves. We help the NHS manage and staff Community Diagnostic Hubs & Centres with our own network of highly trained radiographers and imaging teams.
Supporting Community Diagnostic Centres
Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC) were established as part of the NHS improvement scheme. NHS England aims to transform the current care delivery models and deliver diagnostic services closer to the patient’s home.
New Community Diagnostic Centres will improve diagnostic capacity by increasing the availability of in-house diagnostic tests in hospital settings. In turn, we aim to reduce the pressure on hospitals to deliver diagnostic testing services and provide greater convenience and an improved patient experience.
The independent review of diagnostic health services, completed by Professor Sir Mike Richards in 2020, recommended significant reform and investment in critical diagnostic services. The key areas for improvement in diagnostics within health services include equipment and facilities, workforce, digitisation and connectivity, and other enablers to deliver the required change.
Our management and staffing of Community Diagnostic Centres is designed to help NHS Trusts deliver on this required change across the UK.
What services do we provide at Community Diagnostic Centres?
RMS will work with you to establish your diagnostic imaging requirements and will deliver a fully managed, flexible and cost-effective solution to reduce radiology waiting lists. That may include maximising existing CT and MRI scanners, staffing them up to 18 hours a day and at the weekend with our highly experienced team of radiographers.
We also offer a wide range of static and modular solutions designed to help NHS hospitals increase diagnostic imaging capacity to reduce patient waiting times. When compared to the capital outlay of a permanent build, or the cost of using a mobile unit for more than 3 days a week, a modular unit can provide the most efficient way of meeting increasing clinical demand.
We provide highly technical ultrasound imaging including MSK and Vascular. Our specialist ultrasound scanning services for NHS Trusts are designed to maximise capacity on your in-house ultrasound scanners.
We work with Trusts to design and deliver a flexible ultrasound service, from one day a week up to a 7-day, fully managed service. This reduces waiting lists for complex ultrasound scans and is delivered by a team of highly qualified and experienced sonographers.
Our team will open the existing ultrasound department out of hours and at weekends to ensure that NHS scanners are running at maximum capacity, performing over 20,000 scans annually across the UK.
In addition, our team of general ultrasound clinicians undertake all areas including: abdomen, renal, pelvis, aorta, and obstetrics.
The RMS team are specialists in musculoskeletal and vascular scans and carry out the following daily:
- Tendon tears or tendinitis in the shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, hip, knee, ankle and foot
- Muscle tears, strains and pulls throughout the body
- Small parts and scrotum
- Rheumatology scanning using the standardised US definition and quantification system for RA synovitis including combined and SH and PD components.
- Nerve entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hernias
Our highly skilled and qualified sonographers also provide a range of fertility scans, with concise and useful scan reports immediately after the scan is complete. Services include:
- Ultrasound scans and follicle tracking
- Baseline Antral Follicle Count
- Cycle Synchronisation
- Endometrial thickening skin
- Visibility scan
RMS provides a range of additional clinical services that complement our core offering including Cardiac Catheter Labs. Cardiac Catheter Labs are a clinical space where minimally invasive cardiac procedures are performed, including ablation, angiogram and angioplasty as well as the fitting of pacemakers and ICDs.
We provide full staffing and support for the Cardiac Cath Labs, including highly experienced cardiologists. Our Cardiac Cath Labs are state-of-the-art and can be easily installed in a car park or outdoor space on Trust grounds. The modular units include a changing and waiting area.
Our team of highly experienced radiographers are also accomplished at managing the X Ray procedure and also provide plain film reporting services.
We tailor every solution to fit the unique needs of the NHS Trust that we work with. We provide a range of additional clinical services to complement our core offering. We can also run a full patient booking service as well as other clinical services, such as:
- Radiology reporting
- Fluoroscopy
- Phlebotomy
- Biochemistry
- ECG
- Echocardiology
Our unique staffing solution
We only work with the best, highly-trained radiographers to provide direct access to diagnostic tests and imaging. Our team work across multiple sites to increase capacity to fulfil existing waiting lists and extend the opening hours of a department and manage backlogs.
- Over 400 radiographers & CSWs
- Over 50 ultrasonographers
- Over 1,000,000 patients scanned annually
We understand that patients need access to accurate and timely diagnoses, which is why we provide experienced Radiographers and Clinical Support Workers to staff community diagnostic centres across the UK. Our team is dedicated to delivering the best possible care to patients, using state-of-the-art equipment and software to ensure accurate and efficient diagnoses.
Working in partnership with the NHS
We have been leading the way in high-quality staffing solutions for over ten years. RMS work closely with NHS imaging and radiography departments across Wales, Yorkshire and the North-West to increase diagnostic capacity, improve access, reduce radiology waiting lists and improve health outcomes. Since 2020, RMS has helped the NHS reduce their backlog of radiology patients following the pandemic, and we continue to support the NHS with highly-trained radiographers for Community Diagnostic Centres.
RMS partners with modular and mobile unit suppliers to deliver a complete Community Diagnostic Centre that work for your NHS Trust. Our trusted equipment partners have experience in establishing and managing the requirements of Community Diagnostic Hubs. Together, we offer a complete solution for NHS Trusts looking to set up quickly and staff Community Diagnostic Centres.
Awards & Accreditations
How does RMS help NHS Trusts?
We’re proud to play a crucial role in helping Community Diagnostic Centres achieve their diagnostic imaging targets across the UK. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions that improve the efficiency and overall quality of patient care.
We understand the importance of having a full range of highly skilled radiology professionals available when needed. RMS offer flexible and bespoke staffing solutions that allow community diagnostic centres to access clinical professionals which helps centres manage costs effectively, improve productivity and ensure that patients receive the best possible care, even during times of fluctuating demand.
Our flexible staffing approach also helps centres manage staff shortages or cover temporary absences, such as sickness or holidays. This means that the centre can continue to operate smoothly without any disruption to patient care.
RMS are committed to helping community diagnostic centres maximise their resources and focus on providing high-quality patient care. By providing flexible staffing solutions and comprehensive radiology management services, we enable these centres to operate efficiently and effectively, benefitting both staff and patients alike.
Our patient feedback
The health and wellbeing of our patients is our utmost priority. At every stage our staff endeavour to make each appointment run as smoothly as possible, and are happy to answer any questions or queries our patients may have about their procedure.
However, when speaking of patient experience, we have gathered reviews from recent patients at an RMS Community Diagnostic Centre so they can describe their experience first hand:
“I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional support provided during my recent MRI scan at Wythenshawe Hospital. As someone who was quite nervous about the procedure, your warm and comforting approach immediately put me at ease. Your reassuring words and friendly approach helped alleviate my anxiety, allowing me to relax throughout the scan. I truly appreciate the effort you put into making the experience as comfortable as possible for me. Your professionalism and dedication are a testament to your commitment to providing top-notch care. It is clear that you both are invaluable assets to the hospital, going above and beyond in ensuring patients’ well-being. Your genuine care made a significant difference in my experience, and I am grateful for that.” – Bejoy M
“The whole experience was pleasant and quick in scrupulously clean conditions. Very impressed!’ – Helen T
“I was a very nervous patient and Damon and Darlene couldn’t have been more helpful. They put me at ease, explained everything and showed me what would happen. I am so grateful for their assistance and assurance.” – Morag B
“Claudine and Sarah were great, very good at putting me at ease for the MRI, I felt informed at every step and I don’t think anything could have been done to improve my experience.” – Rebecca G
“Micheal and Chris were lovely as I’d felt very claustrophobic in the MRI in the hospital. They allowed me to come and use the mobile unit. They put me at ease straight away and we were so kind since they knew I’d been upset in the other machine. Just want to say a huge thank you to them both!” – Dayna D
Where are we located
At RMS, we have partnerships in convenient locations across the UK. You will find our main office located at:
62 – 66 Deansgate,
Manchester.
M3 2EN
Currently, you can find RMS Community Diagnostic Centres at the following NHS Foundation Trusts:
- Central Manchester University Hospitals
- Countess of Chester Hospital
- Lancashire Teaching Hospital
- Pennine Care
- Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
- Mid Cheshire Hospitals
- Calderdale and Huddersfield
- Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals
- Salford Royal
In addition, we also partner with:
- British Pregnancy Advisory Service
- NHS Wales University Health Board
- HCA Healthcare UK
- NHS Wales Deeside Rainbow Hospital
- NHS Wales Wrexham Maelor Hospital
- NHS Wales Glan Clwyd Hospital
- BMI Healthcare
If you have a question we’re happy to help.
You can contact us by phone on 0161 410 0169. Or alternatively you can contact us via email at hello@rms-scanning.co.uk.
What are the benefits of a Community Diagnostic Centre?
Accessing healthcare services and minimising health inequalities is important for everyone, and Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) provide an easy way for people to get the necessary diagnostic tests and services without having to travel long distances.
CDCs offer a wide range of diagnostic services that can help identify health conditions at an early stage. This early detection is crucial in preventing the progression of diseases and improving health outcomes.
By offering diagnostic services in the community, CDCs can also help reduce the number of hospital visits required, which can be costly and time-consuming for the NHS and local communities.
RMS are proud to help make healthcare more accessible, convenient, and cost-effective for everyone.
Additional Diagnostic Capacity
RMS help the NHS provide increased access to diagnostic services, reducing wait times for diagnostic tests and enabling more patients to receive timely diagnoses.
By providing additional diagnostic capacity, CDCs can help reduce the backlog of patients waiting for diagnostic tests and provide more timely diagnoses, which can result in improved patient outcomes and reduced need for ongoing care.
Contact us
The RMS team will respond to your enquiry within 24hrs.
Frequently asked questions about Community Diagnostic Centres
What is a Community Diagnostic Centre?
Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC) provide a broad range of elective diagnostics (including checks, scans and tests) away from major hospital sites.
These Community Diagnostic Centres help to relieve pressure on NHS hospitals by helping them to increase diagnostic imaging capacity and reduce patient waiting times.
The centres will allow you to access planned diagnostic care nearer to home without the need to attend acute hospital sites. These services would be separate to urgent diagnostic scan facilities, which means shorter waiting times and a reduced risk of cancellation which can happen when more urgent cases take priority.
Why are Community Diagnostic Centres important?
Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC) reduce pressure on hospitals, providing quicker access to tests and greater convenience to patients. They also provide patients access to diagnostic appointments at times which are more convenient for them – such as evenings and weekends. Moving diagnostic centres into the community also makes access for patients easier through reduced travel, improved parking options and physical access, and greater choice.
Primary care clinicians can refer patients for the appropriate diagnostic test and receive a result they can action sooner, improving care for their patients. This includes increased use of same day emergency care through improved access to diagnostics in A&E departments. This can result in shorter hospital stays as tests are undertaken on the day of request
Separating acute diagnostic activity in hospital settings from outpatient requests by primary care clinicians should streamline access in both settings by removing the need for radiology departments to constantly triage requests and re-arrange appointments.
When considering the importance of a CDC, it is also worth noting their six primary aims:
- To improve population health outcomes
- To increase diagnostic capacity
- To improve productivity and efficiency of diagnostic activity
- To contribute reducing health inequalities
- To deliver a better, more personalised, diagnostic experience for patients
- To support integration of care across primary, secondary and community care
RMS are proud to help make healthcare more accessible, convenient, and cost-effective for everyone.
What type of diagnostic tests are available at Community Diagnostic Centres?
Community Diagnostic Centres will improve diagnostic capacity by increasing the availability of in-house diagnostic tests in hospital settings. In turn, we aim to reduce the pressure on hospitals to deliver diagnostic testing services and provide greater convenience and an improved patient experience.
Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC) offer a wide range of diagnostic services that can help identify health conditions at an early stage.
RMS will work with you to establish your diagnostic imaging requirements and can provide services such as:
- Mobile, modular and in-house MRI and CT
- Specialist ultrasound scans
- Additional clinical services including phlebotomy, fluoroscopy, patient bookings, reporting, X Ray and cardiology
How can patients access Community Diagnostic Centres?
Patients can access the service via referral or their hospital care team. This means they can access life-saving checks at an RMS CDC closer to home and be diagnosed for a range of conditions, rather than travelling to hospital.
Our current projects and partnerships include the following NHS Foundation Trusts:
- Central Manchester University Hospitals
- Countess of Chester Hospital
- Lancashire Teaching Hospital
- Pennine Care
- Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
- Mid Cheshire Hospitals
- Calderdale and Huddersfield
- Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals
- Salford Royal
In addition, we also partner with:
- British Pregnancy Advisory Service
- NHS Wales University Health Board
- HCA Healthcare UK
- NHS Wales Deeside Rainbow Hospital
- NHS Wales Wrexham Maelor Hospital
- NHS Wales Glan Clwyd Hospital
- BMI Healthcare
Are there any costs associated with using Community Diagnostic Centres?
RMS Community Diagnostic Centres provide many benefits to patients and their local communities.
However, should a patient receive a referral from an NHS GP or healthcare professional to attend a Community Diagnostic Centre, the patient would not incur any additional fees or costs for attending the appointment. This does not include any associated travel or transport costs to attend the Community Diagnostic Centre appointment.
How long do patients have to wait for diagnostic tests at Community Diagnostic Hubs?
Community Diagnostic Centres provide more convenient access to diagnostic tests as well as shorter waiting times. Since rollout began, Community Diagnostic Centres have delivered over one million checks and tests, often in the heart of local communities.
Following a GP referral, patients can get their symptoms checked and receive a potentially life-saving diagnosis for a range of conditions such as cancer, heart and lung disease more quickly.
These transformed care pathways enable patients to have multiple tests on the same day in the same place, resulting in improved outcomes for patients. CDCs also reduce the number of hospital visits and reduce waiting times for patients by diverting people away from hospitals – so hospitals can focus on treating urgent patients while the diagnostic centres focus on tackling the backlog for tests and checks.
Are the results of diagnostic tests from Community Diagnostic Centres shared with my doctor?
Once a patient has visited their local Community Diagnostic Centre for tests, their referrers should receive diagnostic results from within 24 hours of them being available.
Where possible, results may also be shared on the same day to lessen patient anxiety. If further tests are required on the same day, patients may be given results by a diagnostic professional. However, results should generally be communicated to patients by a healthcare professional with responsibility of care, or by the referrer directly.
Are Community Diagnostic Centres only for adults, or can children also access their services?
Community Diagnostic Centres are also accessible for children. Under new national care standards, GPs are able to refer children to a Community Diagnostic Centre for asthma diagnosis.
Health professionals trained in asthma diagnosis in young patients with access to spirometry and FeNO will be part of respiratory diagnostic hubs.
