Over six million tests, scans, and health checks have been conducted at Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) throughout England, marking a significant milestone in the National Health Service’s ongoing efforts to accelerate diagnoses and treatments for NHS patients. This achievement underscores the essential role played by these centres in reducing waiting lists and providing patients with prompt access to vital healthcare services.
Since their introduction in July 2021, a total of 6.1 million checks have been carried out at CDCs as of November 2023. These centres, located in a diverse range of settings, including shopping centres, university campuses, and football stadiums, have transformed healthcare accessibility for patients across the country. Among the 141 diagnostic centres currently in operation, four are temporary sites, and 40 were opened earlier than originally planned.
CDCs offer patients a broad spectrum of diagnostic tests, bringing these crucial services closer to their homes and granting them greater flexibility in choosing where and how they receive medical care. This approach not only reduces the necessity for hospital visits but also ensures that patients receive potentially life-saving care in a timelier manner.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins, commented on the government’s commitment to enhancing diagnostic capabilities, saying, “The government’s £2.3 billion Community Diagnostic Centre program represents the most substantial investment in MRI and CT scanning capacity in the history of the NHS. By placing cutting-edge equipment in locations such as shopping centres and near football stadiums, we simplify the process for patients to access the care they require swiftly.”
Atkins further emphasized the pivotal role CDCs play in the prompt diagnosis of critical illnesses, including cancer and heart disease. Patients are typically referred to CDCs by their General Practitioners (GPs), where healthcare professionals employ advanced diagnostic tools such as CT scanners and MRI scanners to detect a wide array of medical conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment remain crucial in preventing severe illness and fatalities.
The CDC program, underpinned by a £2.3 billion investment, represents the most significant central funding injection into MRI and CT scanning capacity ever seen within the NHS. The government is on course to fulfil its objective of opening 160 CDCs by March 2025, with several set to commence operations ahead of schedule.
Dr. Vin Diwakar, NHS Medical Director for Transformation, praised the dedication of healthcare staff in delivering a record 25.9 million tests and checks in the past year. This figure represents a two million increase compared to the previous year and almost a 50% rise compared to a decade ago. Diwakar urged anyone with health concerns to come forward and undergo essential health assessments, emphasizing that early intervention could be a life-saving measure.
The success of the CDC program, coupled with the broader initiatives outlined in the Elective Recovery Plan, has led to the government achieving its goal of virtually eliminating waits exceeding two years and reducing 18-month waits by over 90% since the peak in September 2021.
In November, the government allocated £800 million, a combination of reprioritized and new funding, to address the impact of industrial action. Additionally, it continues to leverage independent sector capacity to alleviate waiting times for NHS patients, with several CDCs operated by the independent sector but available to NHS patients as part of the program.
