Plans to erect a temporary endoscopy unit near Sulis Hospital Bath to help bring down the region’s lengthy waiting lists have been submitted.
The Sulis Hospital | Photo © Sulis / RUH
The hospital, which is based at Bath Business Park in Peasedown St John, is a Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) hub.
The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Sulis, has secured funding to increase diagnostic capacity within the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire health region, which currently has the largest number of patients waiting for endoscopy investigations in the South West.
Endoscopy procedures are essential for diagnosing serious conditions, such as cancer and heart disease.
The Sulis site isn’t big enough however for the extra capacity, so the hospital trust has this week lodged a planning application with Bath & North East Somerset Council for a parcel of undeveloped land at the rear of the nearby Care Fertility Centre at Roman Way.
It seeks permission for groundworks to accommodate a temporary endoscopy unit which will be made up of three mobile trailers. There will also be patient and staff parking, bin store provision and secure perimeter fencing.
The proposal would complement the surrounding health facilities, says the trust.
The site would be restored within two years.
The planning reference is 24/02757/FUL. The deadline for comments is 13th August.
Earlier this year the council approved plans for a new orthopaedic centre at Sulis Hospital Bath to cut waiting times for patients in the city and wider region.
