Terms and Conditions

Suffolk Diagnostic Centre
Effective Date: 24 August 2025
Last Updated: 24 August 2025

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of services provided by Suffolk Diagnostic Centre (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “the Clinic”) and our website at suffolkdiagnosticcentre.com (“Website”).

Business Details:

  • Business Name: Suffolk Diagnostic Centre
  • Directors/Owners: Daniel Piper and Ian C. Nothling
  • Registered Address: 43 North Street, Sudbury, Suffolk,
    CO10 1RD, United Kingdom
  • Contact Email: info@suffolkdiagnosticCentre.com
  • Contact Phone: +44 7888 864958

By booking an appointment, using our services, or accessing our Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. Services Provided

2.1 Medical Services

We provide the following private healthcare services:

  • Diagnostic Ultrasound Scanning (no referral required)
  • Ultrasound-Guided Injections (hyaluronic acid, corticosteroid, aspirations)
  • Private Blood Testing (comprehensive panels with accredited laboratory analysis)
  • Intramuscular Injections (B12, vitamins, prescribed medications)
  • Referral Services (MRI, CT scans, X-rays via partner imaging services)
  • Medical Consultations and follow-up care

2.2 Service Limitations

  • We provide private healthcare services and are not part of the NHS
  • Services are available to patients aged 16 and over (under 18s require parental consent)
  • Some services may require medical history review before treatment
  • We reserve the right to refuse treatment if clinically inappropriate

3. Appointments and Booking

3.1 Booking Process

  • Appointments can be made via phone, email, or our online booking system
  • All appointments require advance booking
  • Same-day appointments may be available subject to capacity
  • We aim to confirm appointments within 24 hours

3.2 Appointment Times

  • Standard appointment duration: 30 minutes
  • Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time
  • Late arrivals may result in shortened appointments or rescheduling

3.3 Cancellations and Rescheduling

  • 24+ hours notice: Full refund or free rescheduling
  • Less than 24 hours: 50% cancellation fee applies
  • No-show or same-day cancellation: Full fee payable
  • Emergency cancellations will be considered case-by-case

3.4 Our Cancellation Rights

We may cancel or reschedule appointments due to:

  • Practitioner illness or emergency
  • Equipment malfunction or maintenance
  • Severe weather or force majeure events
  • Clinical safety concerns

In such cases, we will provide maximum notice and offer alternative appointments at no extra cost.

4. Fees and Payment

4.1 Current Pricing (subject to change)

Diagnostic Services:

  • Diagnostic Ultrasound: £140 (1 area), £180 (2 areas)
  • Private Blood Testing: Varies by test panel

Injection Services:

  • Corticosteroid + Local Anesthetic: £230 (1 area), £440 (2 areas)
  • Hyaluronic Acid (Ostenil Plus): £280 (1 area), £540 (2 areas)
  • Sinovial: £330 (1 area), £640 (2 areas)
  • Combination treatments: £370-£820 depending on treatment
  • B12 and Vitamin Injections: £30
  • Aspiration procedures: £280

Referral Services:

  • MRI Scans: Approximately £300 per area (3-day turnaround)

4.2 Payment Terms

  • Payment is required at the time of service
  • We accept cash, card, and bank transfers
  • Corporate accounts available for business clients
  • Prices are inclusive of VAT where applicable
  • All prices are subject to change with reasonable notice

4.3 Refund Policy

  • Refunds are available for cancelled services (subject to cancellation terms)
  • No refunds for completed services unless service was not delivered as agreed
  • If you’re not satisfied with our service, please speak to us immediately

5. Patient Responsibilities

5.1 Medical Information

You must:

  • Provide accurate and complete medical history
  • Disclose all current medications and supplements
  • Inform us of allergies or adverse reactions
  • Update us on any changes to your health status
  • Bring relevant previous test results or medical records

5.2 Preparation Requirements

  • Follow any pre-appointment instructions provided
  • Arrive with appropriate clothing for examinations
  • Bring identification and payment method
  • Inform us of pregnancy or suspected pregnancy

5.3 Behavior and Conduct

Patients must:

  • Treat staff with respect and courtesy
  • Follow clinic health and safety procedures
  • Respect other patients’ privacy
  • Not attend if feeling unwell with infectious conditions
  • Comply with reasonable requests from staff

6. Clinical Governance and Safety

6.1 Professional Standards

  • All practitioners are fully qualified and registered professionals
  • We maintain professional indemnity insurance
  • Services are provided according to current medical guidelines
  • We participate in clinical governance and audit processes

6.2 Equipment and Facilities

  • We use diagnostic-grade medical equipment
  • All equipment is regularly maintained and calibrated
  • Clinical areas meet healthcare facility standards
  • We maintain appropriate infection control procedures

6.3 Emergency Procedures

  • Emergency protocols are in place for all clinical situations
  • Staff are trained in basic life support
  • Emergency services will be called if required
  • We are not an emergency medical facility

7. Test Results and Reports

7.1 Result Delivery

  • Blood test results: 24-48 hours (routine tests)
  • Ultrasound reports: Available immediately or within 24 hours
  • Results will be communicated via your preferred method (phone, email, post)
  • Original images and reports remain property of the clinic

7.2 Result Interpretation

  • All results include clinical interpretation where appropriate
  • Follow-up consultations available if needed
  • Abnormal results will be communicated promptly
  • We may recommend GP follow-up or specialist referral

7.3 Medical Records

  • We maintain comprehensive medical records
  • Records are stored securely for required retention periods
  • You have the right to access your medical records
  • Medical record fees may apply for extensive copying

8. Referrals and Onward Care

8.1 GP Communication

  • We can provide reports to your GP with your consent
  • We recommend informing your GP of private tests/treatments
  • Emergency findings will be communicated to your GP immediately

8.2 Specialist Referrals

  • We can refer to appropriate specialists when needed
  • Referral costs are separate from our consultation fees
  • We maintain relationships with quality private providers
  • NHS referrals can be discussed with your GP

9. Limitations of Liability

9.1 Clinical Limitations

  • No diagnostic test is 100% accurate
  • We provide services based on current medical knowledge
  • Some conditions may not be detectable by our methods
  • Always seek emergency care for urgent symptoms

9.2 Legal Limitations

Our liability is limited to:

  • Direct costs of services provided
  • We exclude liability for indirect or consequential losses
  • Professional indemnity insurance covers clinical negligence claims
  • Nothing in these terms excludes liability that cannot be legally excluded

10. Complaints Procedure

10.1 Internal Complaints

If you have concerns:

  1. Speak to the practitioner or clinic manager immediately
  2. Formal complaints should be submitted in writing
  3. We will acknowledge complaints within 48 hours
  4. We aim to resolve complaints within 10 working days
  5. You will receive a written response to formal complaints

10.2 External Complaints

If unsatisfied with our response:

  • Contact the relevant professional body (GMC, HCPC, etc.)
  • Independent healthcare complaints can be made to [Insert relevant body]
  • The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman may investigate NHS-related issues

11. Confidentiality and Data Protection

11.1 Patient Confidentiality

  • We maintain strict patient confidentiality
  • Information is only shared with your consent or legal requirement
  • Staff are bound by professional confidentiality obligations
  • See our Privacy Policy for full data protection information

11.2 Clinical Photography

  • Medical images are taken for diagnostic purposes only
  • Images may be retained for medical records
  • Consent is required for any use beyond direct patient care
  • You have the right to refuse medical photography

12. Website Terms

12.1 Website Use

  • Information on our website is for general guidance only
  • Website content is not a substitute for medical advice
  • We cannot guarantee accuracy of all website information
  • Links to external sites are provided for convenience only

12.2 Online Booking

  • Online booking confirmations are subject to availability
  • Technical issues may affect booking systems
  • Phone bookings take precedence over online bookings
  • We will confirm all appointments regardless of booking method

13. Force Majeure

We are not liable for failure to provide services due to:

  • Natural disasters, extreme weather, or acts of God
  • Government restrictions or public health emergencies
  • Power failures, telecommunications failures, or cyber attacks
  • Labor disputes, supplier failures, or transport disruption
  • Any other circumstances beyond our reasonable control

14. Changes to Terms

14.1 Updates

  • We may update these Terms from time to time
  • Significant changes will be communicated to patients
  • Updated Terms will be posted on our website
  • Continued use of our services indicates acceptance of new Terms

14.2 Notice Period

  • Material changes require 30 days’ notice where possible
  • Emergency changes may be implemented immediately
  • Price changes will be notified in advance

15. Dispute Resolution

15.1 Governing Law

  • These Terms are governed by English law
  • Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of English courts
  • We prefer to resolve disputes through discussion and mediation

15.2 Severability

  • If any part of these Terms is unenforceable, other parts remain valid
  • Invalid provisions will be replaced with enforceable alternatives
  • The overall intent of these Terms will be preserved

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms:

Suffolk Diagnostic Centre
43 North Street, Sudbury, Suffolk,
CO10 1RD, United Kingdom
Email: info@suffolkdiagnosticCentre.com
Phone:+44 7888 864958
Website: suffolkdiagnosticcentre.com

Business Hours:
Hours are displayed on our website.

Emergency Contact:
For medical emergencies, contact 999 or attend your nearest A&E department

These Terms and Conditions were last updated on24 August 2025 and are reviewed annually. By using our services, you confirm you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.