A brand new audiology suite has been opened next to Weymouth Community Hospital.

The facility, in the Park Centre, is the new base for Dorset HealthCare's audiology team in the west of the county, and is expected to help cut waiting times.

It boasts modern state-of-the-art equipment to assist with diagnosis and treatment.

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Although some patients can still visit clinics in Bridport, Blandford, Sherborne, and Dorchester, the new suite introduces more advanced balance testing equipment.

This enables the execution of new tests that could assist in the diagnosis of ailments such as dizziness and vertigo.

The setup also provides video screens for paediatric testing of young people.

The centre has expanded its team to offer an increase in capacity to help cut down waiting periods for patient appointment.

The team would also provide placements for apprentices and students.

The audiology centre's manager, Helen Williams, said: "We are delighted to have opened up this new audiology facility next to Weymouth Hospital.

"The new capacity and staff resources will help us provide quicker appointments so we can diagnose and treat conditions faster."

The audiology suite has been set up as part of the NHS England’s Community Diagnostics Centre (CDC) programme, which includes services like a CT scanner, x-ray, and ultrasound, all managed by Dorset County Hospital at the Weymouth Hospital site.