A boost in funding for the NHS will see more than 250,000 extra tests and scans for Hampshire residents

Approximately 250,000 more scans, tests and checks will be available for residents across Hampshire as there is a boost in funding.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care board has released funding for Community Diagnosis Centres which will aim to improve access to vital tests, scans and checks.

There are currently three community diagnostic centres across Hampshire and Andover Community Diagnostic Centre is due to open early 2023.

The new centre has spent a long time time developing an ultrasound hub and increased x-ray capacity, adding to its MRI and CT scanner.

The Community Diagnostic Centre at St Mary’s Community Health Campus in Milton, Portsmouth, which is led by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS The CDC in Southampton and the New Forest, is also planning to ‘reduce pressure on local acute hospitals.’

Rachel Anderson, clinical director of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘The links between all of our services have strengthened and grown, helping us to deliver more joined up care.’

The Isle of Wight has received £48 million for a new Emergency Care floor and reconfiguration of St Mary’s hospital as well as a ‘mental health and community hub in Newport’ and digital investment.

Maggie McIsaac, chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board said ‘People can expect to see speedier access to vital tests and scans in more convenient locations often closer to home.’

Portsmouth’s Queen Alexandra hospital has also received funding of £58m and a new emergency department is planned to open at QA in the winter of 2024.