Publish date: 1 May 2026
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester has officially opened Isle of Wight NHS Trust’s Community Diagnostic Centre during a visit to the island on Friday, 1 May.
The purpose-built centre that opened at the end of 2024, is transforming access to vital scans, tests and checks for local people, helping patients receive faster diagnoses and reducing the need to travel to the mainland. In the first 12 months of the Community Diagnostic Centre opening the team have delivered activity equivalent to around 88% of the island’s population*
The centre provides a wide range of diagnostic services, including imaging, cardiology and respiratory testing, supporting earlier diagnosis and faster access to treatment while supporting more care to be delivered closer to home.
During the visit, The Duchess of Gloucester was welcomed by Jenni Douglas-Todd, Chair, Michelle Stanley, Chief Strategy Officer, and Vicky Lauchlan, Chief Operating Officer Isle of Wight NHS Trust and met staff working across the centre to hear how the facility is enhancing care for the community. Colleagues shared how streamlined pathways and increased diagnostic capacity are helping to reduce waiting times and improve patient outcomes.
The Duchess of Gloucester also toured the Trust’s Emergency Department, including the Children’s Emergency Department, which has been designed to better meet the needs of young people and families.
Since opening, the Children’s Emergency Department has introduced dedicated play and sensory spaces, alongside improved layouts that support privacy, patient flow and infection control, helping to create a calmer and more supportive environment for children requiring urgent care.
Her Royal Highness met with members of the Isle of Wight Youth Forum who have been working in partnership with the Paediatric Emergency Care Team to further improve the environment for children and young people requiring urgent care.
Steve Parker, Medical Director for Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said: “Our Emergency Department, including the Children’s Emergency Department, has been designed with both patients and staff in mind. The new environment allows us to deliver care more efficiently, while also improving privacy and comfort for patients.
“The dedicated children’s facilities, including sensory and play areas, are particularly important in helping us support young people in what can often be a stressful situation.”
Michelle Stanley, Chief Strategy Officer, said: “We were honoured to welcome The Duchess of Gloucester to officially open our Community Diagnostic Centre.
“This is a significant milestone for healthcare on the island. The centre is already helping people access quicker tests and diagnoses closer to home, and the level of activity we have seen reflects just how important this service is for our community.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the dedication of our staff and the difference these new facilities are making for patients every day.”
Dr Tracy Jones, Clinical Lead for the Community Diagnostic Centre, said: “The Community Diagnostic Centre continues to make a real difference to how quickly we can diagnose patients. By bringing together a wide range of tests in one place, we are able to streamline pathways, reduce delays and start treatment sooner where needed.
“Since opening we have introduced new pathways, helping to reduce the need to travel off island, which is a significant improvement in their overall experience of care.”
To commemorate the occasion, The Duchess of Gloucester, unveiled a plaque marking the official opening of the Community Diagnostic Centre.
