Construction of diagnostic centre at Andover hospital is underway

The Andover Community Diagnostic Centre (ACDC) will bring additional diagnostic services to the population of this town, including ultrasound, endoscopy, physiological measurement (cardiology and respiratory) and MRI, and will help to modernise the hospital through new and expanded facilities.

Following important enabling works in early 2023, the team have been hard at work transforming the old maternity unit into a state-of-the-art ultrasound facility.

The steelworks have already taken place, and the team are now taking the next steps to transform the space and install new equipment, ready to begin patient care later this year.

Further works are scheduled including the expansion of endoscopy theatres, and some services have already been re-provided and are getting ready to open to our patients – including cardiology and lung function.

The team recently welcomed Professor Sir Mike Richards to Andover to tour the site and see the work happening to turn this new service for patients in Hampshire into a reality.

Professor Sir Mike Richards and HHFT staff take a tour of the site (Image: Hampshire Hospitals)

Professor Sir Mike Richards review of diagnostic services for NHS England recommended a major expansion of diagnostic capacity and a new model of service delivery – which is being brought to life with the Andover Community Diagnostic Centre.

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospitals in Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester, said: “We were delighted to welcome Professor Sir Mike Richards to Andover to see the progress already made to create the ACDC, and talk to our expert teams who will deliver these services.

“Everyone at Hampshire Hospitals was so excited to share the work we have been doing and cannot wait until we can fully open the ACDC to provide even better care and greater access to scans and tests to the local community.

“Our teams are working incredibly hard to open the doors to the diagnostic centre as quickly as possible, and we apologise for any noise or disruption whilst these works take place.

“As always, these projects hinge on the brilliant teamwork within Team HHFT and beyond. I want to thank our teams and partners for their flexibility in working with us to make the best use of each space.”

Professor Sir Mike Richards added: “It was wonderful to see the progress made and am looking forward to hearing more about this centre as it develops. Having spent the day at the community diagnostic centres in both Andover and Lymington, I am truly impressed with what is being done.”

As part of the ACDC, the Minor Injuries Unit will be moved to a new area of Andover hospital to bring it within the footprint of the diagnostic centre, ensuring an even better experience for patients who may need scans or tests as part of their treatment.

Nicky Lucey, chief nursing officer at the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board said: “We were extremely pleased to welcome Professor Sir Mike Richards to the Community Diagnostic Centre in Andover where his vision of improving access to help diagnose life-threatening conditions such as cancer and heart problems faster, has come to life. The Andover community diagnostic centre will be an invaluable local resource and convenient place to access extra tests, scans and checks for local residents of Andover and surrounding areas.

“It was great to be able to show Professor Richards the progress that has been made here and as an Integrated Care Board, we are committed to continually improving access to life-saving checks. A further diagnostic centre is available at St Marys Community Health Campus in Milton, Portsmouth, with satellite sites at Fareham Community Hospital in Sarisbury Green and Oak Park Community Clinic in Havant. There are also plans for a new centre on the Isle of Wight which was recently backed by £10m capital funding from the CDC national programme.”