The Community Diagnostic Centre, located at St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping, is set to open in spring 2026 and will provide quicker access to essential diagnostic services including MRI scans, X-rays, non-obstetric (non-pregnancy) ultrasounds, and CT scans.
Dr Monica Bose, director of clinical support services and consultant gastroenterologist at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said: “It was fantastic to have the opportunity to showcase progress with our Community Diagnostic Centre at St Margaret’s Hospital.
“It will transform care for our patients, with quicker and more local access to diagnostic tests and treatment close to patients’ homes.”
Recent site visits included Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation; Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest; and Nick Presmeg, executive director of adult social care at Essex Council.
The centre will feature extended opening hours and upgraded equipment to increase capacity for MRI scans, X-rays, and non-obstetric (non-pregnancy) ultrasounds.
Additional improvements include two new CT scanners, updated ultrasound and cardiology equipment, a new MRI scanner, and more phlebotomists to expand blood testing services.
The centre will also offer streamlined clinical pathways for a range of conditions, including breathlessness, asthma in children and young people, unscheduled bleeding on hormone replacement therapy, liver health checks, rapid access to chest pain care, palpitations, sleep studies, trans-nasal endoscopy, and prostate diagnostics.
As construction continues, further enhancements are planned for the centre, including a fibroscanner for liver inflammation, additional ultrasound and X-ray capacity, and dedicated space for trans-nasal endoscopy.
Thom Lafferty, chief executive at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said: “Thank you to our partners for visiting our Community Diagnostic Centre at St Margaret’s Hospital.
“We were delighted to share our vision for neighbourhood health, with more integrated care for our community, closer to home.
“The centre is integral to our plans to achieve this, together with working with our partners to improve patient care and experiences.”
