Written question WQ94109
- Asked by
- Sam RowlandsConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
When does the Cabinet Secretary expect the first rapid diagnostic hub to be opened and accepting patients?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
An evidence review into the effectiveness of community diagnostic centres was undertaken by the Evidence Service, Public Health Wales and presented to the National Diagnostics Board in 2023.
It highlighted the potential benefits of diagnostic centres in terms of reducing waiting times and pressure on hospitals but recognised further research was needed. This review did not take into account the impact of the diagnostic hubs established in NHS England as studies were not available at this time.
The evidence review is published A rapid evidence map of what evidence is available on the effectiveness of community diagnostic centres | Health Care Research Wales (healthandcareresearchwales.org)
South East Wales is progressing the development of the first regional diagnostic hub and an outline business case will be submitted to Welsh Government for consideration.
The National Diagnostic Implementation and Delivery Plan, which sets out how the Welsh Government Diagnostics Recovery and Transformation Strategy for Wales 2023-25 will be delivered was presented at the Planned Care Board in May 2024. The plan is due to be published in early October.