The Sidcup Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) officially launched on Wednesday, October 22, at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, and is set to offer more than 100 scans a day to patients.
The centre, run by Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, currently opens two days a week, on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 8am to 8pm, and offers MRI and ultrasound scans.
The trust plans to open five days a week in 2026.
A hysteroscopy service will also launch in the spring.
The centre is hoped to reduce the pressure on local hospitals, including Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich and Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford.
At the launch, clinicians, service managers and members of Bexley Council joined national NHS figures to celebrate the opening of the centre.
The two special guest speakers on the day were the long-serving leader of Bexley Council, Councillor Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, and Louie French, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup.
Ben Travis, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust’s chief executive, said: “Many of those receiving ultrasound or MRI scans here at Sidcup CDC would otherwise have to travel out of borough, perhaps even into central London – exacerbating what can be a really anxious time for people.
“But now, over 100 people every single day will soon be seen right here in this modern, welcoming new space.”
The centre was custom built to high specifications, including a Siemens Magnetom Sola MRI machine.
Queen Mary’s Hospital’s location is hoped to make it convenient for Bexley residents.
At the launch event, MP Louie French said: “Queen Mary’s Sidcup has an unbelievable future.
“To have this kind of warm welcome and such clean, modern facilities is something that patients will appreciate for many years to come.”
Councillor Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE said: “I’m really proud of what everyone has achieved on this site.
“It will continue to grow and continue to deliver the very best care for our residents.”
The event also paid tribute to Robert Shaw, former NHS director of transformation for Greenwich and Bexley, who passed away in 2023.
Mr Shaw played a huge part in the planning and vision for Sidcup CDC.
A commemorative plaque was unveiled, dedicating the centre to Mr Shaw’s memory.
Councillor Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE said: “When it was suggested that there would be the opening today, a number of us said immediately, ‘it should be in [Robert’s] honour.’
“This is his legacy.”
Mr Shaw’s widow, Margaret and his children, attended the event.
