The Community Diagnostic Centre in the Metrocentre offers patients different checks, scans and tests.
These services are available outside the main hospital, allowing you to get appointments more quickly and at convenient times, including evenings and weekends. We know that getting any medical test can be worrying, so we will try to make the process quick and easy for people.
Watch this short walk-through video to see what you can expect at the Community Diagnostic Centre.
The Centre is a joint project between Gateshead Health and Newcastle Hospitals. It uses the same high quality equipment that the hospitals use.
The Community Diagnostic Centre offers a range of diagnostic testing services across several areas:
Tests and services available
- Scans such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and
- Ultrasound
- Heart tests, for example, echocardiograms (ECG), holter monitors and ambulatory blood
- pressure monitoring
- Lung tests and sleep studies
- Blood tests.
The Community Diagnostic Centre is available for patients from both Gateshead Health and Newcastle Hospitals who have been referred by their GP for diagnostic testing.
How to find us inside the Metrocentre
The CDC is located in the Town Square, between the Red and Green malls, just above Harrods Beauty. To access the centre, head to the 1st floor, near Hays Travel. You’ll enter a corridor, and at the end, you’ll find stairs and a lift. We recommend using the lift when in the CDC as the stairs are steep, and the main department is on the ground floor.
How to find us outside of the Metrocentre
If arriving by car, you can park immediately in front of the centre. Details to find the car park are below, and important to review. We encourage all those with mobility issues arriving by car to park in the car park immediately in front of the centre. You can also access the main entrance to the centre by walking from either the green or red car park. See highlighted area on the map below. You may recognise this as the former House of Fraser site. See the next section for key parking information.
How to get to the Metrocentre
- By car: The Metrocentre is easily accessible from the A1, with clear signs from both north and south directions. There are over 10,000 free parking spaces available. The closest parking to the CDC is in the Small Green area, with additional multi-storey parking options in the Red, Blue, and Yellow zones. Please note: If your appointment is before 9am Monday to Saturday, 11am on a Sunday, 10am on a Bank Holiday, or after 5pm on a Sunday please park in the Small Green Car Park in front of the CDC. This is in between the Red Mall & Green Mall Car Park. The barrier to this car park is lifted at 7.30am each day. As the Metrocentre operates on a one-way road system please be vigilant when locating the car park. The entrance to the car park can be found after the entrance to the red car park, but before the main green car park.
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 CDC 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 and Volunteers. You will need to check-in either at the main reception desk or at one of the self-check-in kiosks. After you check in, 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 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.
How do I make a comment about my visit?
We aim to provide the best possible service, and staff will be happy to answer any of your questions. If you have any suggestions or comments about your visit, please speak to a staff member or contact the patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on 0191 445 6129 (09.00 – 17.00, Monday to Friday). You can also email PALS at [email protected]
Alternatively, you may wish to complain by contacting our complaints department:
Chief Executive,
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust,
Trust Headquarters,
Queen Elizabeth Hospital,
Sheriff Hill,
Gateshead,
NE9 6SX
The PALS team will listen to your concerns, suggestions or queries and can often help solve problems on your behalf.