Over 7 million tests, checks and scans have been delivered by community diagnostic centres (CDC) across England, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
CDCs, based in shopping centres and university campuses (as well as NHS hospitals), are a government scheme to increase MRI and CT scanning capacity. The target of 160 sites has been met almost a year ahead of their original March 2025 goal.
CDCs play a vital role in identifying and treating illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, says the DHSC.
‘We know early diagnosis and treatment are vital,’ said health and social care secretary, Victoria Atkins. ‘By rolling out additional test, checks and scans at 160 sites, we’re improving health outcomes for millions of NHS patients across England.’
Services provided by CDCs include MRI, CT, X-ray, audiology and endoscopy. They also provide respiratory and phlebotomy services.
‘The NHS has made great progress in establishing community diagnostic centres,’ said Professor Sir Mike Richards, author of the independent review of diagnostic services in the NHS.
‘Demand for diagnostic tests continues to rise and these new facilities – which amount to the biggest central cash investment in MRI and CT capacity in the history of the NHS – are providing much needed additional capacity. From my visits around the country, I have seen how much they are appreciated both by patients and NHS staff.’
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