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Rapid Diagnosis Centre

An image of a woman standing next to an MRI scanner

The Rapid Diagnosis Centre (RDC) based at Neath Port Talbot Hospital is for patients with vague but concerning symptoms that do not fit into any of the existing referral pathways.

At the RDC, patients will have an individualised assessment with the aim of achieving a diagnosis and initiating a treatment plan, or gain the reassurance that nothing concerning has been found. 

Please note: As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, there may be some service changes. 

COVID-19 VISITING UPDATE: Please note our rules regarding hospital visits have changed. For the latest guidance on our visiting regulations, please visit this page. 

As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the way the clinic is run has now changed, particularly in relation to appointment times, having relatives/carers attend with you, and the way in which results are given on the day.

You will be given detailed instructions regarding your appointment when we contact you to confirm your booking.

Clinic Information

Below, you will find information on the patient pathway through the Rapid Diagnosis Centre, information on the location of the centre and how to get there and contact details should you need to contact the centre regarding your referral or if you have any questions. 

On the right hand side of this page, or at the bottom of this page if you are using a mobile or tablet, you will find a page on frequently asked questions from patients about the Rapid Diagnosis Centre and a page displaying a step by step video tour of a patients pathway through the Rapid Diagnosis Centre. 

Clinic information

If your referral is appropriate for the Rapid Diagnosis Centre we will be in contact you by telephone to arrange the next available appointment, which will be at short notice (one to five days).

Our clinics are held on a Tuesday and Friday morning in the Afan Nedd Day Unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital.

Your appointment may last up to four hours as you may need to have a number of tests undertaken over the morning.  This will be fully explained to you when we book the appointment.

The RDC service will ring you to agree an appointment, which could be from 8.30am onwards. During the telephone call, we will explain the location of the clinic.

Your GP will have arranged for blood tests and a chest X-ray prior to your attendance and we would be grateful for your help with getting these done.

You will be asked to attend the appointment, fasted of food from midnight (no breakfast) and to only drink water.

All instructions regarding medication will be given over the telephone.

We encourage you to be accompanied by a friend or relative.

When you arrive at the clinic, you will be greeted and asked to take a seat in the waiting area where you will be given water to drink.

From here, you will either see the consultant or visit the x-ray department first. You are encouraged to ask the clinical staff any questions you may have.

When you see the consultant for the first time, they will take a history and examine you. We advise that you wear loose and comfortable clothing that can be removed easily.

You will see the Consultant again at the end of the morning to go through your results and a management plan which could include a referral to another department or further tests.

Please follow this link to the 360 Walk-through video page which has a 360 degree step by step video tour of a patients journey through the Rapid Diagnosis Centre. Alternatively, you can follow the 360 Walk-through video box at the right hand side of this page. If you are using a mobile or tablet, the box will appear at the bottom of this page. 

If you have any questions after clinic, you are more than welcome to contact us on the numbers below.

Your GP will receive a letter detailing your visit, electronically shortly after the clinic.

The clinic is held within the Afan Nedd Day Unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital and clinics are held on a Tuesday and Friday morning.

The Afan Nedd Day Unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital has two entrances.

There is a drop off area just outside the unit. If you follow the directions for Afan Nedd, this will take you directly to the unit. 

Coming from the traffic lights onto hospital grounds, turn right at the roundabout. After 100m, you will be forced to take a left and then head straight across the mini-roundabout.

Follow the road round until you come to a row of dedicated parking.

The entrance to Afan Nedd is located on the left.

Please note that this area has restricted parking for patients with limited mobility.

Alternatively, you can park in the main patient car parks at the front of the hospital. Please head towards the main entrance of the hospital, walk through the atrium until you reach the restaurant which is towards the rear of the hospital.

To the right of the restaurant is the physiotherapy corridor (just past the lift) and Afan Nedd is at the end of this corridor

If you are arriving by public transport, the drop off point is outside the main entrance and you can follow the above instructions to the unit.

Please follow this link to the Traveline Cymru website for more information on public transport. 

An interior image of Afan Nedd Day Unit

An aerial view of Neath Port Talbot Hospital

A map of Neath Port Talbot Hospital 

If you have any questions, or if you do not hear from us within seven days of being referred by your GP, you are welcome to ring either Helen Gray, RDC Manager or Catherine Lloyd-Bennett RDC Clinical Nurse Specialist on: 

01639 862803

or

01639 862805

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.

We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.