NEWS: Government achieves early diagnostic target

As reported by NHE, Victoria Atkins announces successful delivery of potentially life-saving diagnoses from 160 Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) sites, exceeding targets almost a year ahead of schedule

The news means the government has met its target almost a year early after it pledged to enable diagnostic tests from 160 sites by March 2025, although, of the 160 active CDC sites, 55 are delivering activity via temporary facilities.

Professor Sir Mike Richards, who authored the 2020 independent review of NHS diagnostic services, said “great progress” has been made through the CDC programme and the new facilities are providing much needed capacity.

Andrew Stephenson MP detailed the progress being made through CDCs and how they are enabling faster, simpler and fairer access the healthcare in the latest edition of National Health Executive’s digital magazine.

More than seven million tests have been delivered so far as part of the CDC programme, which is backed by part of a £2.3bn package, constituting the largest investment in MRI and CT scanning equipment in NHS history.

In last month’s Spring Budget, Jeremy Hunt, announced further investment in diagnostic capacity by promising 100 AI-powered MRI scanners which are expected to help 130,000 patients a year.

That is part of the landmark £4.2bn Public Sector Productivity Plan, through which the NHS will benefit from £3.4bn to double investment in digital transformation.

Victoria Atkins said: “We’re delivering record diagnostic tests, record levels of investment and embracing the latest technology across the NHS to deliver care to people when and where they need it.”

The topic of diagnostics was the centre of National Health Executive’s ‘Backlog’ online conference earlier this year, which can be watched on demand, while a dedicated ‘Digital Health’ online conference is set for next month.