NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care have announced that six new community diagnostic centres (CDCs) will open across the UK to deliver more than 500,000 diagnostic checks a year.
The new centres will join the 106 that are already in operation, which have so far delivered over 3.8 million additional tests, checks and scans since July 2021.
The CDCs are intended to cut waiting lists and offer tests, checks and scans closer to home.
North Lincolnshire CDC will be in a car park in Scunthorpe town centre, and will offer more than 146,000 additional checks a year. This will include ultrasound checks, blood tests and CT and MRI scans.
Pitsea CDC is located in a retail park and will provide up to 46,000 tests, checks and scans a year.
Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley CDC is a refurbishment of Livingstone Community Hospital in Dartford and will offer access to ultrasound checks, blood tests, along with CT and MRI scans.
Health and social care secretary Steve Barclay said: “We know early diagnosis and treatment leads to better outcomes for patients, which is why these centres are so vital.
“Based in the heart of communities, they are making it easier for people to access life-saving checks and cutting out unnecessary hospital visits.
“They have already made a huge difference, delivering nearly four million tests, checks and scans since the programme started in July 2021, helping to deliver on the government’s commitment to cut waiting lists.”
Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS medical director for transformation, said: “The NHS delivered a record 2.3 million diagnostic tests in March, up more than 128,000 on the previous monthly record, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff.
“These new CDCs will continue to increase access to care by providing vital scans, X-rays, endoscopies and blood tests closer to patients’ homes, building on the progress we have already made to drive down the longest waits and diagnose cancer earlier.”
