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<p>The provision of local health services is a matter for local National Health Service
organisations. NHS North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) advises that
Clacton Hospital provides some diagnostic testing for the local population, but the
variety of tests that can be effectively provided is limited. More specialised diagnostic
tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging or invasive tests such as angiography or
endoscopy, have to be carried out at Colchester Hospital. They are not available at
Clacton Hospital either because of a lack of physical space for the facilities within
the hospital or because it is not clinically appropriate for the tests to be carried
out in a community hospital. Clacton Hospital has no clinical theatre space. No emergency
medical cover is available should a patient become seriously unwell following an invasive
diagnostic test.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The CCG states that demand for diagnostic
services is exceptionally high and it is considering how they could be provided within
community settings to reduce waiting times. This might include direct access to some
tests through general practitioner (GP) referral. This would enable the GP to receive
a definitive test result for the patient, before referring on to secondary care where
necessary. The CCG believes this would help to reduce waiting times and make access
to the service easier for local people.</p><p> </p>
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