A NEWLY-OPENED rapid diagnosis centre is set to deliver better outcomes for cancer patients in Northern Ireland.
The Rapid Diagnosis Centre (RDC) is now operational at Whiteabbey Hospital in Co. Antrim.
Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Mike Nesbitt was on hand to officially open the centre, which is designed to deliver earlier cancer diagnoses, faster access to treatment and improved outcomes for patients.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt pictured with Northern Trust staff, Hannah Liken, CT Radiographer and Seán ÓConaire, Assistant Director, as the new centre (Pic: NI.gov.uk)The facility now boasts a state-of-the-art CT scanner which is surrounded by ceiling and wall mounted lightboxes that boast sky and ocean images to put patients at ease.
“Rapid Diagnostic Centres are already making a profound difference to people’s lives,” Minister Nesbitt said.
“They are helping patients receive answers more quickly, providing reassurance for many and enabling faster treatment for those who need it most.”
He added: "I want to thank the clinical teams for the compassionate and expert care they deliver every day.
“Today marks a proud milestone, but my focus is firmly on the future.
"With the Vague Symptom Pathway now a fully regional service, and with investment underway to expand diagnostic capacity and strengthening our imaging workforce, we are building a health service that can deliver earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for more people across Northern Ireland.
“I remain committed to securing the funding and reform we need to make that vision a reality.”
First established in 2022, the specialist clinic was launched as a pilot accepting GP referrals to help reduce cancer diagnosis times and improve patient outcomes alongside a similar unit in the South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon.
Since then the service has expanded and now sees patients from across Northern Ireland.
As well as providing rapid results reporting, clinicians at the centre can also make onward referrals for patients who require further investigation or treatment by specialists.
See More: Cancer, Diagnosis, Northern Ireland
