Keir Starmer Applauds Metrocentre NHS Testing Site to Reduce Waiting Lists

Gateshead: Sir Keir Starmer recently praised the NHS Community Diagnostic Centre at the Metrocentre. He believes it’s a great example of how to tackle long hospital waiting times. This facility opened last October in the old House of Fraser store. It offers services like MRI and CT scans, making it easier for patients to get tests without the hassle of going to a hospital.

Starmer mentioned that Labour plans to expand these types of centres. They aim to open 170 more by the end of March. Currently, there are over 246,000 patients waiting for treatment in the North East alone. The goal is to ensure that 92% of patients wait no longer than 18 weeks for treatment by 2029.

He emphasized the importance of having these centres open long hours, like the Metrocentre site, which operates 12 hours a day, seven days a week. This flexibility helps patients fit appointments into their busy lives. Starmer also pointed out that placing these centres in shopping areas makes it more convenient for people to get the care they need.

The government plans to launch new surgical hubs and upgrade the NHS app to streamline appointment management. Starmer acknowledged the need for better healthcare infrastructure in the North East, as many facilities are outdated. He assured that investment in modernizing hospitals is a priority.

Overall, the focus is on reducing the burden on hospitals by providing more community-based care. This approach aims to create a better balance in the healthcare system, allowing hospitals to function more effectively.