Thousands more patients across the South East are accessing crucial diagnostic tests every week thanks to the work of innovative Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) across the region.

There are currently 30 CDCs across the South East, with more expected to open their doors to patients in the coming months. Since the programme began in 2021/22, CDCs have delivered 2.6m tests in the South East, meaning more patients are able to access tests and scans closer to home, as work continues to reduce the number of people on waiting lists for diagnostics and treatment.

In 2024, the region averaged between 20,000 and 25,000 extra tests per week across its CDC sites, and between April 2024 and February 2025 over 1.12 million tests were delivered at CDCs in the South East, up from 328,000 between April 2023 and February 2024.

CDCs offer patients a wide range of diagnostic tests in convenient locations and greater choice on where and how they are undertaken, reducing the need for hospital visits and potentially speeding up the start of treatment.

They offer a range of diagnostic tests including MRI scans, CT scans, echocardiograms and bone density (DEXA) scans and also help to minimise delays and cancellations.

Across the region CDCs are located in shopping centres, former car sales showrooms and away from hospitals to provide easier access, parking and greater choice for patients.

Amongst those making a real difference to local communities is the CDC on the Isle of Sheppey. Previously residents would have had to make a two hour round trip to Medway for scans and tests, but now thanks to the Sheppey CDC at Sheppey Community Hospital in Minster they can access the latest technology without the need to travel.

MRI scans are due to launch at Sheppey CDC in April this year, with the service currently offering X Rays and CT scanning along with blood tests since December 2024. Since its opening and up until the end of February 2025, it has provided 9,856 tests and scans for local residents, an average of around 1200 a week.

Dr Christopher Tibbs, Medical Director for the NHS in the South East, said:

“Ensuring people can get faster, more convenient access to crucial diagnostic scans, tests and monitoring is helping us make huge improvement to patient care and experience across the South East. By bringing high-quality care closer to home, we’re not only reducing waiting times but also ensuring that patients receive the support they need at the right time.

“The growth in numbers of diagnostic tests being delivered to patients across the region is testament to the hard work, dedication and innovation of staff across the South East. This work is helping us diagnose conditions earlier, improve outcomes, and reduce pressure on our hospitals, making a real difference in the lives of patients across the region.”

As the NHS focuses on shifting care from hospital into the community, CDCs are often located in central, convenient places in buildings previously used for other purposes.

Bexhill CDC, which opened in January 2023, is located in a former care sales showroom, conveniently located in the heart of the community offering cardiac diagnostics, X-rays, echo-ECGs, ultrasound, lung function tests and phlebotomy (blood tests), as well as MRI and CT scans. Between April 2024 and February 2025 the CDC delivered over 69,000 tests and scans for local residents.

Last week the final phase of West Kent CDC opened with the site now offering CDC scans to patients alongside a whole range of other diagnostic tests. The new unit is forecast to deliver 78,000 tests each year.