The University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust has started seeing patients in a new endoscopy unit based at the Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC). The facility is intended to increase diagnostic capacity for bowel and other digestive conditions and make tests more convenient for residents across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.
Closer care, increased capacity
The CDC, which opened officially in May, is designed to deliver a range of tests and scans in a community setting rather than on busy acute hospital sites. The addition of endoscopy services at the centre is part of that expansion and is expected to help reduce waiting times by increasing the number of procedures the trust can offer.
UHNM says the community centre will support thousands of people who require investigative tests for digestive symptoms and suspected conditions — including the timely detection of bowel cancer.
First patients and user experience
Michael Buttress, 84, from Blythe Bridge was among the first patients treated in the unit. He described the environment and process positively, noting the convenience of receiving care close to home.
“The new unit is modern, clean and welcoming and the whole experience has been very straightforward. It’s reassuring to be able to have my tests done just 10 minutes from home.”
Jane Elliott, manager of the endoscopy service, highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and set out how patients are supported through their appointment, from reception to recovery.
“Early detection and diagnosis is vitally important to give our patients the best possible outcomes…”
Practical impact and expected throughput
The CDC is projected to provide a substantial uplift in diagnostic activity. Officials estimate the centre will deliver around 180,000 additional tests and scans each year for people across Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and surrounding districts, a boost intended to relieve pressure on hospital diagnostic lists.
Patients should expect:
- appointments for endoscopy and other diagnostic tests closer to home;
- reduced need to travel to major hospital sites for routine procedures;
- care delivered by specialist staff with dedicated procedure and recovery rooms.
| Feature | Local benefit |
|---|---|
| Endoscopy provision | Faster access to digestive-system investigations |
| Annual additional capacity | ~180,000 tests and scans |
| Patient experience | Community-based appointments; reduced travel time |
For local residents, the expansion offers a practical route to earlier diagnosis for conditions that benefit from prompt investigation. The trust’s move to provide endoscopy in a community setting also reflects wider NHS efforts to shift suitable services out of hospitals to reduce waiting lists and improve patient convenience.
People with symptoms or concerns about bowel or digestive health should continue to seek advice from their GP, who will refer patients for diagnostic tests where clinically appropriate.
