Walton Hospital in Chesterfield is undergoing one of the most significant periods of investment in its recent history, with new diagnostic facilities, expanded imaging capability and upgraded mental health provision, helping to reshape healthcare delivery across North Derbyshire. 

The improvements are centred around a new £5.2 million Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which opened in September 2025 as part of Derbyshire’s wider £29.9 million diagnostic programme. Designed to bring testing services closer to local communities, the facility provides phlebotomy, ultrasound, X-ray, CT, audiology and cardio-respiratory services from a single location. 

The centre was developed to reduce pressure on acute hospitals while allowing patients to access multiple tests during a single visit. More than 4,000 appointments were expected to be delivered during the facility’s first month of operation, with evening and weekend appointments helping improve accessibility and reduce waiting times. 

Speaking at the opening, Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The opening of this Community Diagnostic Centre is a major step forward in our commitment to delivering care closer to our patients’ homes in the community.” 

The investment has already been followed by a further £7.5 million commitment to expand the facility through a second phase of development currently under construction.  The extension will provide permanent MRI and CT scanning facilities, replacing mobile units currently operating on-site. The project will also create additional space for paediatric audiology services and DEXA scanning, further increasing the range of diagnostic services available locally. 

According to Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, the expansion will improve accessibility while allowing more complex diagnostic procedures to be undertaken within the building itself. 

Jim Austin, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is a real vote of confidence in the success of community diagnostic facilities that this additional funding has been granted to enable us to extend the building and increase the scope and complexity of the scans carried out at Walton Hospital. It is very good news for patients.” 

Alongside the diagnostic investment, Walton Hospital has also seen the completion of a £2.8 million refurbishment of Bluebell Ward, a specialist inpatient unit for older adults with mental health needs. 

Delivered as part of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s wider Making Room for Dignity programme, the project has transformed the ward through the creation of 12 single en-suite bedrooms, improved therapeutic facilities and enhanced access to outdoor spaces. 

The refurbishment supports the Trust’s ambition to eliminate dormitory-style accommodation across its mental health estate whilst creating environments that promote dignity, privacy and wellbeing. 

Officially opening the facility, Selina Ullah, Chair of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a transformative improvement in the care we provide to people in Derbyshire with mental health needs. Bluebell Ward provides a wonderful, modern environment for older adults accessing our services.” 

The combination of advanced diagnostics, expanded imaging services and upgraded mental health facilities reflects a significant period of investment at Walton Hospital, strengthening its role as a key healthcare hub for communities across North Derbyshire. 

For Walton Hospital, however, the programme is about more than new buildings and equipment. Together, the investments are creating a modern healthcare campus capable of delivering earlier diagnoses, improved patient experiences and enhanced specialist care for communities across North Derbyshire for years to come.