Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) have now delivered over seven million tests, checks and scans across the NHS in England since their inception in July 2021.
Figures show that, for every month in 2023, diagnostic activity was the highest on record for that particular month.
The news follows Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget that outlined the government’s £4.2bn Public Sector Productivity Plan – £3.4bn of which will be ringfenced for the NHS to invest in digital technologies.
Through this funding, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will bring in 100 new AI-powered MRI scanners, which will help deliver faster diagnostics to tens of thousands of patients every year.
✅ Community Diagnostic Centres have provided over 7 million checks, tests and scans for NHS patients since first opening in 2021.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 14, 2024
📍 CDCs are helping to cut waiting lists by offering patients tests, checks and scans faster and closer to home. pic.twitter.com/ngsRe66xpx
The government has already pledged that, by March 2025, CDCs will have delivered 17 million appointments. By the same month, 160 CDCs will be up and running, which is five more than current numbers.
Minister of state at the DHSC, Andrew Stephenson, said: “Diagnostic Centres are playing a vital role in helping to cut waiting lists by delivering checks and scans to people who need them, helping reduce pressures faced by hospitals across the country.”
Healthcare leaders from across the sector will offer their insight and commentary on how to make the most of the NHS estate at National Health Executive’s dedicated Estates event.
Andrew added: “Placing these centres in easy to reach locations, such as shopping centres and near football stadiums means that people can get the support they need more quickly.”
Image credit: iStock
