To reduce pressure on the NHS and improve patient care, the government is funding hundreds of new community diagnostic centres in local areas. Receiving £2.3 billion in funding, new community diagnostic centres (CDCs) will reduce the need for hospital visits, lessening pressure on the NHS.
I was recently invited to visit Dartford's new £19.6m Community Diagnostic Centre at the Livingstone Hospital on East Hill.
When fully operational, this site will be a one-stop shop for patients to undergo a variety of tests, including CT scans and MRIs before they receive their diagnosis.
Patients are now being seen on site in a mobile unit, with the new temporary modular building set to open early in the new year.
The new permanent building, to be built on the site of the old maternity unit, is due to open in 2025.
This multi-million pound investment in Dartford is a great asset for the town and will mean thousands of patients will be able to visit this one-stop centre rather than travel to Darent Valley Hospital.