People in Braintree will soon have better access to tests and scans closer to home, after the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) was formally handed over to the NHS.
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust has taken ownership of the new centre from construction company McLaughlin & Harvey.
The Trust will now complete the final work inside the building and install specialist equipment. The first patients are expected to be seen at the beginning of September.
Once open, the Braintree Community Diagnostic Centre will provide around 75,000 extra diagnostic appointments in its first year.
Patients will be able to have a range of tests and checks, including:
- CT and MRI scans
- X-rays
- ultrasounds
- blood tests
- heart and lung checks.
The centre is based at Braintree Community Hospital and will be open seven days a week.
Having more tests available locally will help people get a diagnosis sooner. It can also reduce waiting times and help doctors make faster decisions about treatment.
More diagnostic services across Essex
Braintree is the third of four community diagnostic centres being developed by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
Community Diagnostic Centres in Thurrock and Southend are already open. A fourth centre is being built in Pitsea and is expected to open in summer 2027.
These centres are part of a wider network of diagnostic services across Essex.
People in west Essex can also access services through a Community Diagnostic Centre provided by The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust.
In north east Essex, people can use the Clacton Community Diagnostic Centre, provided by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
Together, these centres are helping to provide more tests, checks and scans outside of hospital.
This means more people can get the care they need closer to home, with earlier diagnosis and faster treatment where needed.