A new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has opened in Southend, welcoming its first patients and helping people access important tests more quickly and closer to home.
The new centre is located in the former Argos unit inside The Victoria Shopping Centre and will provide up to 30,000 diagnostic appointments each year for local people.
Offering a range of tests including X-rays, ultrasound scans and heart diagnostics, the centre aims to reduce hospital waiting times and support earlier diagnosis for patients across the area.
The facility is operated by Thrive Health Hubs in partnership with the NHS and has been designed to be easily accessible for patients, bringing essential health services into the heart of the city centre.
Bringing care closer to the community
Southend CDC opening to patients is a huge moment for the community. This centre will make it much easier for people to get the tests they need quickly and at a time and location that works for them.
James Currell, Acting Divisional Director for Clinical and Support Services, Mid and South Essex, NHS Foundation Trust
It’s fantastic to see this new community diagnostic centre opening, giving local people quicker and more convenient access to the care they need. For too long residents have faced long waits for diagnostic appointments. This centre will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people in Southend.
Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford
Supporting faster diagnosis and reducing hospital pressure
We’re proud to be working with the NHS to bring high-quality diagnostic services to the heart of Southend High Street. By offering rapid, local access to scans and tests, the centre will help ease pressure on hospitals and speed up care for patients.
Michael Catling, Chief Operating Officer at THH
This centre is a real benefit for residents, giving faster and easier access to tests so people can get the care they need sooner. Using space within The Victoria to host vital health services helps bring care closer to home and shows the strength of our partnership with the NHS to support healthier communities across our city.
Cllr Maxine Sadza, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities
Expanding diagnostic services across Essex
The Southend CDC is part of the national NHS programme to increase diagnostic capacity and improve access to tests such as scans, heart checks and other investigations.
Across Essex, further centres are being developed to support faster diagnosis and treatment. A CDC opened in Thurrock in September, with additional centres currently under construction in Braintree, Pitsea and Epping.
By bringing services into community locations, CDCs aim to help diagnose conditions earlier, reduce pressure on hospital sites and make it easier for people to access care locally.