A new £3.5 million state-of-the-art imaging suite is being built in Dudley for patients who need an MRI or CT scan.

The new facilities at the Guest Outpatient Centre will be able to handle almost 20,000 extra scans a year and reduce waiting times for patients.

All patients sent for an MRI or CT scan by their GP will now go to the suite at the Tipton Road centre instead of visiting Russells Hall Hospital or the Corbett Outpatient Centre in Stourbridge. Dr Alec Wolinski, chief of clinical support at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“This is very exciting news for our patients. Providing scanning facilities closer to patients’ homes will not only be more convenient but will also free up scanners at Russells Hall Hospital for inpatients and those needing emergency imaging.”

“The MRI and CT kit will be the ‘best of breed’ and allow us to maintain a high quality service”.

The trust is spending £2 million to adapt the existing building and the remaining £1.5 million is to be spent on the equipment. To manage the extra number of patients, an extra 22 car park spaces are being provided for staff and visitors.

Building work began on Monday and the suite is expected to be fully operational by November 1st.