^{Image credit: Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust}

The Braintree Community Diagnostic Centre is now entering its building phase and works started on 31 August 2024.

Once complete, the Centre will offer a variety of services, including X-rays, CT and MRI scans, blood tests.

Speaking about the progress, Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is good news for the local community and brings us a step closer to providing diagnostic tests closer to home. We have already progressed well with the Thurrock CDC, and plans for Pitsea are well developed. 

"With Southend’s independent provider about to be announced in the autumn, it means that by 2026 we will have four centres across mid and south Essex which will speed up tests and help to reduce waiting times.”

The Centre is being built on the St Michael’s site and adjacent to the William Julien Courtauld Birthing Centre.

The build works will mean some small changes to services offered at The William Julien Courtauld Birthing Centre (WJC). The WJC will continue to be open for births and postnatal care. Antenatal and outpatient appointments are moving temporarily to the adjacent Braintree Community Hospital to minimise disruption for women and birthing people.

The works are expected to be completed within 12 months, and is expected to benefit the local community, bringing diagnostic tests closer to home.