NHS via Community Diagnostic Centre to offer MRI, CT scans, x-ray, audiology, endoscopy, respiratory, phlebotomy services
In a groundbreaking move, Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins announced today that patients across England are now benefiting from essential diagnostic tests, checks, and scans at 160 sites under the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) programme by March 2025.
This initiative, situated in various locations including shopping centers, university campuses, and NHS hospitals, aims to tackle diseases like cancer and heart ailments.
With a staggering £2.3 billion investment, the CDC programme signifies the NHS's largest-ever boost in MRI and CT scanning capacity.
This monumental effort not only aims to provide additional diagnostic tests but also to relieve pressure on hospitals, ensuring swift diagnoses for patients.
As per DHSC, so far 7 million patients tests, checks, and scans have been delivered through CDC funding across England which encompasses a wide array of diagnostic services such as MRI and CT scanning equipment, x-ray, audiology, endoscopy, respiratory tests, and phlebotomy services, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of various conditions.
Highlighting the importance of "early diagnosis and treatment", Victoria Atkins stressed the program's role in "improving health outcomes for millions of NHS patients across England."
Minister Andrew Stephenson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the program's crucial contribution to patient well-being.
Professor Sir Mike Richards lauded the establishment of community diagnostic centers, noting their substantial impact on meeting the rising demand for diagnostic tests.
He said, "The NHS has made great progress in establishing community diagnostic centres, which were a key recommendation in my 2020 report."
"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," he added further.
Last month, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled further investment, promising 100 AI-fitted MRI scanners to fast-track diagnostic processes for over 130,000 patients every year
This move is part of a £4.2 billion Public Sector Productivity Plan, aiming to double the NHS's investment in digital transformation.
Patients can access CDCs through referrals from their GP or acute consultant, where state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment is utilized by healthcare staff to diagnose a range of health conditions.
The CDC programme's expansion continues, with 105 CDCs fully operational on permanent sites and an additional 55 sites providing services in temporary facilities to meet the growing demand for diagnostic services and ensuring timely healthcare delivery across England.
