A NEW suite has officially opened at a clinic with the aim to provide patients with a faster diagnosis.

BMI The Hampshire Clinic's new endoscopy diagnostic suite was officially opened by the mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Councillor Paul Frankum.

The new suite aims to provide a fast diagnosis for people with a number of symptoms such as recurrent cystitis, suspected bladder tumours, post menopausal problems and a number of other internal issues.

In opening the unit, Cllr Frankum drew on his own experiences of ankle surgery at BMI The Hampshire Clinic, praising the warmth of the staff and describing them as ‘fantastic’ in the way they looked after him and made him feel comfortable.

He said: “I’m really hospital-phobic, so I don’t like going into hospitals to start with, but I always feel comfortable here and always well looked after."

Consultant colorectal surgeon Tom Cecil said the new unit would be of benefit for his patients and those of the internationally-acclaimed Basingstoke Colorectal Partnership.

He said: “This is a fantastic space, and one which I think will help us achieve JAG (Joint Advisory Group) accreditation in enhancing the patient journey.”

As well as providing services for people with bowel, digestive and urinary problems, the new endoscopy suite will also be a base for gynaecological services.

Director of operations Nichol Freestone said that the layout of the new unit was created with the patient in mind and it promoted the aim of reducing the amount of time a patient might need to spend in the unit from four hours to two.

The service is for NHS patients, insured patients and for people who choose to pay for their own healthcare and is the result of a significant investment by the hospital’s parent company BMI Healthcare.

Hospital executive director Bruce Robinson said: “I’m so pleased that this investment will further support not only the colorectal team but also our highly-recognised urology service.”