The Rutherford Diagnostic Centre Somerset Opens

The Rutherford Diagnostic Centre Somerset in Taunton, designed by international design practice Ryder Architecture in partnership with Rutherford Diagnostics, is the first community diagnostics centre of its kind in England.  It was officially opened by the renowned cancer specialist, Professor Sir Mike Richards CBE, former National Cancer Director in the Department of Health.  The centre will give patients increased access to diagnostic tests which inform their treatment in a stand alone modern facility, away from a busy hospital.

Speaking about the facility’s opening, Sheldon Walsh, director at Ryder, said, “It is exciting to see the opening of the UK’s first independent diagnostic facility providing much needed services in partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.  Ryder is proud to have supported the Rutherford from the very beginning and look forward to continuing this journey of collaboration to benefit many more communities in the future.”

Mike Moran, chief executive officer of Rutherford Health, said, “There has never been a more important time for innovative partnering in healthcare in the UK to ensure patients get access to earlier diagnosis and the best treatment as quickly as possible.  This centre is a major step forward in addressing the rising demand for diagnostic services across Somerset and we are delighted to be working in collaboration with the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Ryder to deliver tangible benefits to their patients.”

Peter Lewis, chief executive of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said, “This is a fantastic facility for patients in Somerset and the surrounding areas.  Our patients now have access to diagnostic tests at this modern stand alone facility away from a busy hospital.  This is part of the new recommended way forward for the NHS and has become more important as a result of the global pandemic.”