The start of construction on a new diagnostics centre in Thurrock has been celebrated with a breaking the ground event today (Friday, 15 March)

As reported on Thurrock Nub News in advance of today's ceremonial event, the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Thurrock will offer CT, MRI and ultrasound scans, echocardiography, blood tests, X-rays and lung checks when it starts seeing patients, which is expected to be in late 2024.

The CDC is being built at Thurrock Community Hospital, owned by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. The centre is scheduled to deliver more than 50,000 checks per year, with appointments offered seven days per week.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust says the purpose-built centre will speed up access to diagnostic tests and drive down waiting lists. It is 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.

Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The CDCs are vital to our efforts to reduce waiting lists and make sure that patients receive their test results more quickly and closer to home.

"We are working with partners across Thurrock to ensure this centre meets the needs of local people. While we wait for the build to complete, we are providing temporary CT and MRI scanners in Orsett so that patients can already start to benefit."

Tracy Dowling, Interim Chief Executive at Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, said: "This is a great example of how working collaboratively we can deliver improvements for our patients.

"The range of tests that will be available in Thurrock will mean health issues can be detected earlier, improving the chance of successful treatment.

"The location for the new centre will improve access to diagnostic services which we hope will be more convenient to them and save them from having to travel to their nearest hospital for tests."

Contractors Morgan Sindall have been chosen to build the new centre.. Dale Smith, Head of Operations at Morgan Sindall Construction's Essex business, said: "Today's ground breaking ceremony is a great opportunity to reflect on the wide variety of vital health benefits Thurrock's new Community Diagnostic Centre will provide for the local area. Combining our extensive experience in constructing medical environments alongside a long-standing and collaborative relationship with Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust will ensure that the completed project meets the multifaceted needs of the staff and patients."

The Trust welcomed Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Little and Cllr Mark Hooper, Chair of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Aleks Mecan, Thurrock Alliance Director, Rita Thakaria from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (which owns the Thurrock Community Hospital site) and other partners involved in Thurrock's CDC project for the ground-breaking ceremony.