Engagement on the proposal to relocate Echocardiology Services in Lincolnshire
What we set out to achieve
The NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) undertook a review of echocardiology services across the county to address some key challenges. At the time, most services were delivered by United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospital Trust (ULHT), with additional support from external NHS Trusts and In-Health, an Independent Service Provider operating under a community contract.
To improve access and efficiency, the ICB proposed two key changes: Patients attending Marisco Practice in Mablethorpe for ECHO could instead go to Skegness Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) — or choose another preferred location. Patients using Johnson Community Hospital in Spalding for ECHO, MRI or NOUS could be redirected to Pilgrim Hospital in Boston — or another suitable site.
This engagement aimed to capture patient experiences with current services and understand how the proposed changes might affect them. The feedback helped identify concerns around accessibility, travel, and service quality, which the ICB committed to addressing as part of the service change.
What we did
To ensure widespread awareness and participation, the engagement was actively promoted across multiple channels:
- Featured in 3 NHS engagement bulletins, 3 primary care bulletins, and 2 Team Talk News updates
- Shared via Nextdoor, reaching over 110,000 members across 471 neighbourhoods — connecting with communities from coast to countryside
- Distributed through provider networks and staff databases for targeted outreach
- Supported by a Facebook campaign with 4 posts, reaching 10,698 people and generating 203 engagements
- Attracted 636 visits to the dedicated engagement webpage.
This multi-channel approach helped us reach a broad and diverse audience across Lincolnshire, ensuring that as many voices as possible were heard. In total, we received 123 responses.
What you told us
Feedback from our recent engagement revealed satisfaction with current echocardiology services — with 83% of respondents satisfied with care at Johnson Community Hospital, and 67% at Marisco Practice. Patients highlighted the speed of appointments, ease of access, and friendly staff as key strengths.
However, views on the proposed service changes were more mixed:
- 46% supported relocating services from Marisco to Skegness Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC)
- 26% disagreed and 27% were unsure.
- 38% supported moving services from Johnson Hospital to Pilgrim Hospital, 38% disagreed and 24% were unsure.
Concerns about travel and distance, particularly for older or less mobile patients, and negative perceptions of Pilgrim Hospital contributed to lower support for the Johnson proposal.
Travel & Access
Majority of respondents would use their own vehicle to access services:
- Johnson hospital: 58%
- Marisco practice: 56%
Very low use of public transport or volunteer car schemes across respondents.
You told us that what matters most to you is:
- Local access to services
- Reliable transport options
- Maintaining high-quality care
- Ensuring patient choice and equity across Lincolnshire
The difference it’s made
Relocating services to Skegness CDC
Almost half (46%) of patients supported moving services from Marisco Practice in Mablethorpe to the Skegness Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC). Most respondents confirmed they had access to their own transport, which helped shape the decision. This move has unlocked a wider range of diagnostic tests and clinical pathways in one convenient location, making care more streamlined and accessible.
Bringing more services closer to home
Previously, some diagnostic tests and pathways were unavailable locally, meaning patients often faced long journeys or chose not to access these services at all. By offering MRI, NOUS, and ECHO alongside other tests at the Skegness CDC, patients can now receive timely care closer to home—all under one roof.
Positive patient feedback
Since the transfer, feedback has been positive. Patients have praised the ease of access, free parking, and the quick, responsive, and friendly service provided at the CDC.
Future plans for Boston
Initial engagement around Johnson Hospital highlighted mixed views, particularly concerns about Pilgrim Hospital. We listened. Plans are now underway to develop a new CDC in Boston, offering MRI, NOUS, ECHO, and additional diagnostic tests. NOUS services will also continue at Johnson Hospital, and we’ll ensure GP practices are fully informed to raise awareness among patients.
What’s next
Plans are progressing to develop a modern Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Boston, creating a state-of-the-art facility for residents in the south of the county. This investment will make it easier for patients to access essential diagnostic services closer to home.
We regularly collect friends and family feedback at our CDCs and main hospital sites where these services are delivered. Feedback from patients attending the CDC for tests has been positive, with comments highlighting the ease of access, free parking, and the high quality of care provided.
While NOUS and MRI services have already moved to alternative sites, the community contract for ECHO will remain in place until January 2026. Once this transition is complete, we will continue to gather patient feedback to ensure services meet expectations and needs.