Braintree Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has celebrated its official opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local dignitaries.
Located on the site of Braintree Community Hospital, the centre will provide around 75,000 additional diagnostic appointments each year, including: MRI and CT scans, ultrasound, blood tests, and heart and lung checks.
The ceremony was attended by James Cleverly MP, Cllr Richard van Dulken, Chairman of Braintree District Council, Cllr Graham Butland, Vice Chairman of Braintree District Council, local councillors, and NHS colleagues.
Alison Gover, Health and Social Care Minister, said: “People deserve to get the care they need as quickly and conveniently as possible, which is exactly what this new CDC in Braintree will do, delivering an extra 75,000 diagnostic appointments each year.
“By bringing these services closer to home, we’re making it easier for patients to access vital tests and checks in their local community, transforming how care is delivered and ensuring the NHS is there for everyone where they need it, when they need it.”
Paul Jones, regional capital projects lead at NHS Property Services, said: “We are delighted to have supported in the delivery of Braintree’s new CDC. The extra 75,000 appointments each year will make a huge difference to residents: providing MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds, blood tests and heart and lung checks.”
Samantha Goldberg, executive director of commissioning at NHS Essex, commented: “The opening of Braintree CDC is an important step towards making healthcare more accessible for local people.
“By providing vital diagnostic tests closer to home, we can help patients get the answers they need sooner, reduce unnecessary journeys and support earlier diagnosis and treatment. Centres like this are helping us deliver better, more convenient care for our communities.”
Julie Smith, Broomfield Hospital chief executive at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Today's ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate what this centre means for our patients and communities. By increasing access to diagnostic tests closer to home, we can help people get the answers they need sooner and support earlier diagnosis and treatment.”
Cllr Richard van Dulken, chairman, Braintree District Council, added: “It was a privilege to officially open this fantastic facility. The centre is providing an important service for residents, making it easier for people to access vital diagnostic tests within their community.
“This investment will benefit people across the district for many years to come and demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together to improve services for local communities.”