Enter and view: Ilkeston Hospital Community Diagnostic Centre

Healthwatch Derbyshire undertook an enter and view visit of Ilkeston Hospital Community Diagnostic Centre on 31 January 2024. During their visit, they heard from 11 patients.

Ilkeston Community Hospital’s CDC currently provides phlebotomy (blood tests), ultrasound scans, and X-rays. It also has a mobile MRI scanner.

Ilkeston Hospital CDC will also receive an open MRI scanner, which will be the first of its kind in Derbyshire. The open MRI will provide a better patient experience for those who don't like small and cramped spaces, or people who are anxious about having a scan.

• Healthwatch Derbyshire saw and heard examples of staff and hospital volunteers who are kind, caring, and helpful 

• The hospital corridors and rooms were clean, tidy, warm, and easy to get around

• Patients appreciated the free parking 

• Patients said this hospital is calmer, has a relaxed atmosphere, and is less formal than the larger hospitals

• They heard that due to an important piece of equipment needing ‘topping up,’ there was a two-hour delay for patients waiting for their appointment

• They were informed that parking can be difficult at busy times 

• Patients said they were not asked if they had any accessible information or communication needs 

• Most patients said they would not know how to raise a concern, make a complaint, or give a compliment 

• They were told that if a patient changes their appointment time, they will still get text reminders for the original appointment, and this is confusing.

The report contains recommendations and a response by the service provider.