Construction is well underway at Andover’s new state-of-the-art medical diagnostic centre

From old maternity unit to high-tech ultrasound facility, the Andover War Memorial Hospital is set for a big upgrade.

Once complete, the new Andover Community Diagnostic Centre – or ACDC – will provide ultrasound, endoscopy, MRI and physiological measurement scans.

Touring the new diagnostic centre. Credit: NHS Hampshire Hospitals

With steelwork already in place, construction teams are now preparing the site for the installation of new equipment, with hopes to begin diagnosing patients later this year. The hospital’s endoscopy theatres are also scheduled for expansion.

The work so far has impressed Professor Sir Mike Richards, who recently toured the site following his review of diagnostic services for NHS England.

Recommendations were made for a major nationwide expansion of diagnostic services and a new model of service delivery, which the ACDC is now looking to provide.

Alex Whitfield serves as Chief Executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, overseeing facilities in Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester.

Andover War Memorial Hospital. Credit: Scriniary, CC BY-SA 2.0

She said: “We were delighted to welcome Professor Sir Mike Richards to Andover to see the progress already made to create the ACDC and talk to our expert teams who will deliver these services.

“Everyone at Hampshire Hospitals was so excited to share the work we have been doing and cannot wait until we can fully open the ACDC to provide even better care and greater access to scans and tests to the local community.

“As always, these projects hinge on the brilliant teamwork within Team HHFT and beyond. I want to thank our teams and partners for their flexibility in working with us to make the best use of each space.”

The new development will see the Minor Injuries Unit relocated to another area of Andover Hospital, bringing it closer to the diagnostic centre in order to ensure that patients can get the necessary scans or tests for their treatment more efficiently.

The ACDC may also soon be joined by a new centre on the Isle of Wight, which was recently funded by the CDC national programme for £10 million.