THURROCK'S new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) was officially opened today (Friday, 17 October).

The centre, at the Thurrock Community Hospital site on Long Lane in Stifford Clays, has been operational since mid-September, but got official endorsement from a phalanx of dignitaries including Minister of State for Health, Dr Zubir Ahmed.

East Thurrock MP James McMurdock, borough mayor Cllr Sue Shinnock, Thurrock Council leader Lynn Worrall and health portfolio holder Cllr Mark Hooper were among those in attendance for the ribbon cutting by the minister.

Also present was Kim James, COO of Thurrock Healthwatch, with colleagues, and the CEO of Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, Tom Abell, watched on.

Dr Ahmed said: "After undertaking the biggest patient consultation event in the history of the NHS, we're finally rewiring the NHS, so it works around patients' lives and the places they live.

"Community Diagnostic Centres are transforming how people access care, delivering thousands of extra tests, scans and checks closer to home, seven days a week. Thanks to the investment made in the NHS, patients in Thurrock will now benefit from faster diagnosis closer to home.

"Equipped with the latest technology, this centre will give patients quicker tests, reduce pressure on hospitals, and make it easier than ever to get the care they need. It's another step forward in our plan to cut waiting times and build an NHS fit for the future."

In the first weeks of its operation, the centre has delivered almost 2,500 appointments, with services including MRI and CT scans, ultrasounds, x-rays, blood tests and echocardiograms. Respiratory, anticoagulation and audiology services will be added in the coming months.

Once fully operational, it is projected the CDC will provide more than 75,000 diagnostic appointments each year, all in a central, easy-to-access location.

James Currell, Acting Divisional Director for Clinical and Support Services at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust said: "This new centre is a major step forward for healthcare in mid and south Essex. We're putting patients at the heart of everything we do – making it faster and easier for them to get the tests they need, closer to home.

"It's about delivering care that works for people, in a place that's built around their needs."

Mr McMurdock, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock added: "I've had the opportunity to see the development of this new centre while it's been underway, and the transformation is truly incredible.

"To now see it open and helping thousands of local people is a real testament to the dedication of everyone involved. This is exactly the kind of investment our community needs - bringing essential healthcare services closer to home and improving access for all."

The opening has also been applauded by Thurrock MP Jen Craft, who said: "Shifting care into the community is key to improving NHS services, particularly here in Thurrock.

"By providing better access to vital tests and scans, this centre will do the crucial work of cutting waiting lists and save people the time and stress of a hospital trip.

"Opening this facility marks another step forward in the Government's mission to build a genuine neighbourhood health service, so we can all receive convenient and excellent care closer to our front door."