A NEW health centre for Thurrock is a step closer to opening, with a tour of inspection being held today (Friday, 31 January) by councillors and other stakeholders.

When it opens this summer, Thurrock Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) will offer vital diagnostic services, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, heart scans, lung checks, blood tests and X-rays.

It is expected to deliver more than 75,000 checks per year, with the new centre open for appointments seven days a week, speeding up access to diagnostic tests and helping to reduce waiting lists. 

Visitors including Deputy Mayor of Thurrock Cllr Sue Shinnick and Thurrock Council cabinet member for health and well-being Cllr Mark Hooper, who is also chair of the borough's Health and Well-being Board, were shown around the new development, which is on the Thurrock Community Hospital site on Long Lane in Grays.

From left, Cllr Sue Shinnick, James Currell and Cllr Mark Hooper.

James Currell, Acting Divisional Director, Clinical and Support Services Division at the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust said: "It's incredibly exciting to see the building taking shape and moving closer to serving our community, these centres are going to change the way we deliver healthcare for our population.

"Thurrock is one of four CDCs set to open in mid and south Essex. The centres are all about making access to diagnostic tests more convenient; supporting patients to get the right care quickly, in a place, and at a time that's convenient for them."

Cllr Hooper added: "I welcome the new CDC. An additional 75,000 spaces will provide some much-needed relief and care to those in our community. 

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"Reduced waiting times equals better outcomes. I am sure Thurrock's new CDC will be of great benefit to local residents."

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.

The centre, owned and operated by the Trust, will be one of the first to open in the area, with additional facilities planned for Southend, Braintree and Pitsea.