The community diagnostic centre in the Metrocentre offers patients a range of scans and tests outside the main hospital. Appointments are provided at convenient times, including evenings and weekends.
The centre is open 8.00am-8.00pm, 7 days a week (apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday).
Services at the centre are provided by Newcastle Hospitals and Gateshead Health and include diagnostic tests such as:
- Imaging – scans including Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and ultrasound
- Cardiology – heart tests, for example, echocardiograms (ECG), halter monitors, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
- Respiratory – lung tests and sleep studies
- Blood tests.
The community diagnostic centre is available for patients from both Gateshead and Newcastle who have been referred by their GP for tests.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes, you can bring someone with you. However, they may not be able to accompany you into the examination rooms except in special circumstances.
On the day of my appointment, can I take my prescribed medicines as usual?
Unless the appointments team or your referring clinician tells you otherwise, you can continue taking all your usual medications.
What happens before your test?
When you arrive at the centre, you’ll be welcomed by the reception team. You will need to check-in either at the main reception desk or at one of the self check-in kiosks, after which you’ll be shown where to wait until it’s time for your test.
What happens after the test?
Once your test is done, you can usually go home right away. You should be able to drive yourself and go back to your normal routine, including eating and drinking as usual.
How long will my appointment take?
The length of the appointment can vary, but most tests don’t take long.
How do I get my results?
The doctor who asked for your test will get the results. If you need a follow-up appointment, the hospital or your GP will contact you. If you haven’t heard anything in three weeks, get in touch with the doctor who referred you.
What do I do if I need to cancel or change my appointment?
If you need to cancel or change your appointment, please call the Appointment Team on 0191 445 2491 (Monday to Friday) or the centre when lines are closed at 0191 445 5050.
If you cancel or miss your appointment twice, you will be removed from the waiting list, and your doctor will be informed.
Please do not attend if you are unwell.
Who do I contact if I have any additional needs?
If you have any additional support needs that could affect your appointment, please call the Appointment Team at 0191 445 2491 (Monday to Friday) or the centre at 0191 445 5050.
Feel free to contact us with any questions, and we will be happy to assist you.
