Construction of the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Queen Victoria Hospital, located along Holtye Road, is entering its final stages. The purpose-built centre, backed by an £8.4 million investment from NHS England, is set to welcome its first patients soon, aiming to expand diagnostic services and support faster diagnosis and treatment for local people.
Over the past nine months, the building has undergone significant transformation, with the installation of steel framework, completion of the roof and brickwork marking key milestones. Behind the scenes, clinical rooms, patient areas, and specialist equipment are being installed, alongside the necessary technology and infrastructure.
The centre is designed around patient needs, building on existing services such as MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, lung function, and echocardiogram services. It will provide more space to see more patients, enhance current offerings, and develop new care delivery methods.
“"Our Community Diagnostic Centre is about much more than increasing the number of tests and scans we can provide. It’s about helping patients get answers about their health more quickly and ensuring they can move smoothly to the next stage of their care when needed. Whether that’s the reassurance of an all-clear or prompt access to further treatment, our aim is to create a better experience for patients through more joined-up and innovative pathways of care."
For patients, this translates to quicker access to tests, shorter waits for results, and earlier diagnoses. Consolidating services under one roof will also simplify appointments and allow for multiple tests during a single visit. The centre will foster closer collaboration between healthcare teams, improving information sharing and ensuring care is coordinated around patient needs.
The project's successful progress is attributed to close collaboration between NHS teams and partners from the construction, design, and engineering sectors. Despite challenges inherent in a project of this scale, a shared commitment to improving local care has driven it to this significant milestone. The CDC represents an investment in faster diagnoses, more integrated care, and better outcomes for the community.
