MPs lay final bricks at Community Diagnostic Centre
Thurrock is one step closer to faster, more accessible healthcare with Jen Craft MP and James McMurdock MP, laying the final bricks in the area’s warmly anticipated Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), due to open this summer.
The new state-of-the-art centre will allow patients to access essential diagnostic services such as CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, heart scans, lung checks, blood tests and x-rays, at a time and place that’s convenient for them, seven days a week.
An extra 75,000 appointments will be offered at the centre each year, significantly reducing waiting times, leading to faster diagnosis for patients.
Speaking at the event, Jen Craft, MP for Thurrock, said: “Early diagnosis and fast treatment are crucial for improving health outcomes, so I'm delighted that this new Community Diagnostic Centre will soon be giving residents easier access to essential tests and scans.
“This facility represents much-needed investment to expand our local health services and cut waiting lists that have seen people in Thurrock waiting too long for vital checks.
“Improving community healthcare in Thurrock is one of my priorities and this centre will play an important role, giving more patients access closer to home and saving them a hospital trip.”
James McMurdock, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock added: “This centre is a major step forward for our local healthcare provision. The 75,000 new appointments will lead to quicker diagnoses and better overall experiences for patients in our area. I'm proud to see our community getting the healthcare investment that it needs.”
James Currell, Acting Divisional Director, Clinical and Support Services Division at the Trust, said: “This brings us another step closer to being able to offer diagnostic tests closer to Thurrock’s community, preventing the need for travel to hospital and speeding up access.
“This will be the first of four centres to open across mid and south Essex, providing us with some of the best provision in the region.”
The brick laying ceremony was attended by local elected representatives and stakeholders including Health and Wellbeing Board Chair Cllr Mark Hooper and Mayor of Thurrock Cllr Kairen Raper.
The CDCs are part of a national programme funded by the Government to increase diagnostic capacity, providing one-stop shops for checks, tests and scans in the heart of local communities. They form part of the wider estates and infrastructure plans within NHS Mid and South Essex, bringing care into communities and out of acute hospitals.