Opening of Diagnostic Suite next step in Nuffield Health’s vision for Manchester

The opening is an important step in the organisation’s long-term vision to help transform the health prospects of the people of Manchester. By working in a collaborative way and developing partnerships, Nuffield Health plans to deliver a network of experts, health and wellbeing facilities and digital technology supported by clinical research and innovation that will lead to the best health outcomes for the region.

Nuffield Health, a not-for-profit healthcare organisation, will deliver world class MR, X-ray, mammography, CT, cardiac and ultrasound services from the 7,279 sq ft space. Health assessments, physiotherapy services and private GP appointments will be offered as part of a complete approach to health and wellbeing for the Northwest.

Barbara Baker, Manchester Market Director for Nuffield Health, said: “We are delighted Diane Modahl, as a Mancunian and sporting champion, could be here today to officially open our facility. Diane’s foundation does remarkable work uncovering sporting talent in both able-bodied and disabled young people which echoes the Nuffield Health charitable aim to advance, promote and maintain the health of the UK population. We are committed to delivering healthcare to the people of the Northwest, complementing the existing infrastructure and the opening of the diagnostic suite is laying further foundations for our Manchester vision.”

“In Manchester we are seeing a real enthusiasm around the devolution agenda, which dovetails into our vision of offering a fully integrated health and wellbeing proposition. Our new suite is equipped with the very latest diagnostic and imaging technology, which will serve the healthcare framework across the region and our patients will benefit hugely from a more comfortable and relaxed experience.”

The facility in the former Manchester Royal Eye Hospital is adjacent to Manchester Royal Infirmary, part of Central Manchester Foundation Trust. Nuffield Health and CMFT have developed a partnership arrangement that will mean the new diagnostic suite can also be used to support the care of NHS patients.

“This is a really positive and exciting development,” said Professor Bob Pearson, Medical Director at CMFT. “The diagnostic imaging equipment that Nuffield Health has installed is of a very high standard and the teams from Nuffield Health and CMFT have worked together to agree effective arrangements for NHS patients to access these services. This will help us to ensure that all NHS patients can be seen in a timely manner. The capacity of the facilities to undertake advanced imaging of the heart will be particularly valuable.”

Nuffield Health has worked with a number of key partners on the diagnostic suite including Manchester Metropolitan University, ranked 12th in the UK for research power in Health.

Professor Jean-Noel Ezingeard, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University said: “The opening of the diagnostic suite is another milestone in our partnership which is focused on driving forward health and wellbeing innovation in Greater Manchester. Working together to develop new models of delivery is a key driver for both Manchester Metropolitan University and Nuffield Health. This connects with much wider, life-enhancing agenda around prevention and health promotion. Here in our city we have huge opportunities and there is much that can be achieved with strong partnerships such as ours."

Technology at the suite has been provided by Philips and includes the UK’s first In-Bore Ambient Experience which allows patients to choose from a music and video library to make the often lengthy MR or CT scans more comfortable and can alleviate symptoms of stress and claustrophobia. 

“Philips is excited to support any innovative collaboration between private and public health providers, such as with this initiative, that delivers high quality patient care,” said Ian Graves, Director of Imaging Systems at Philips. “This type of agreement exemplifies the vision laid out by the government’s Five Year Forward View, whereby NHS and private service providers are able to sit side-by-side and truly complement each other.”        

Nuffield Health already has a well-established corporate offering in Manchester working with organisations to help improve the health of their employees, as well as a medical centre in Salford Quays and the Printworks Fitness and Wellbeing Gym.

The next step for Nuffield Health continues with the recent submission of a planning application for a tertiary hospital and wellbeing centre on Hathersage Road.  This will complete the spectrum from prevention through to cure that the organisation believes is crucial to meet the needs of the changing healthcare market.

For further information, please see: nuffieldhealth.com/Manchester

Last updated Tuesday 22 March 2016

First published on Thursday 21 January 2016