Twelve new community diagnostic centres (CDCs) have opened across London with a further two more to open this year, which will provide a range of tests to diagnose patients closer to their homes and wihtout taking up hospital appointments.

Almost two million texts have been carried out in the last four years, with figure only increasing as more and more CDCs open across the capital.

NHS London medical director Dr Chris Streather said: “The growing number of CDCs in London is transforming the care people receive, providing quicker and more convenient access, as well as reducing pressure on our busy hospitals.

Several of the centres are leading on cutting-edge techniques, technology and innovation in testing and diagnostics.”

A big success story is at Purely Diagnostic Centre in Croydon, which has undertaken 20,000 extra tests since its opening just over a year ago.

Other diagnostic centres across London include Ealing CDC, which has dramatically cut waiting lines and prevented unnecessary hospital visits since its opening last August. Barking CDC has additionally carried out more than 25,000 scans since it opened just over a year ago and is on a mission to provide more than 50,000 scans and tests every year.

Further CDCs to open are in Mile End, north east London, and New Addington in Croydon later this year.