THOUSANDS of patients across the South East now have access vital diagnostic tests and scans at extended times and in their community.
It comes as Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) in the region are now open in the evenings and on weekends.
CDCs are areas where NHS services can be offered in convenient locations such as shopping centres, community hospitals, and business parks, with more convenient hours.
Over half of the 30 CDCs in the South East are offering tests and scans 12 hours a day, seven days a week, as the NHS aims to give patients greater flexibility and choice.
Last year, CDCs in the South East delivered more than 1.3 million tests and scans; in the first three months of this year, the centres in the region have delivered more than 360,000 tests and scans.
Since their inception in 2021, CDCs in the South East have delivered 3.2 million tests, speeding up diagnosis and helping patients start treatment sooner than previously.
Referrals to a community diagnostic centre can be made by a GP or hospital based clinical teams.
The NHS is also making it easier for GPs to refer directly to CDCs though schemes such as GP Direct Access, and developing more activity involving CDCs.
This means that patients will be able to have their diagnostic test ahead of meeting their consultant, reducing the number of outpatient appointments they need to attend.
Medical Director for the NHS in the South East, Dr Christopher Tibbs said: “We are increasingly offering diagnostic services to patients when and where they need it most to fit around their often-busy lives.
“The huge number of tests carried out in the South East shows how popular and important the services are and is why we are working hard to extend the number of CDCs and expand their opening hours.
“When you have a medical need, the time and place of your diagnostic tests should not be one of the problems you are facing. CDCs are borne from that principle, and it is great to see them being so successful and making a real difference to patients.”
For more information on where your local community diagnostic centre is, visit: Delivering reduced waiting times – GOV.UK.
