Community diagnostic centres (CDCs) are being opened in Medway and Swale, UK, in an effort to offer patients easier access to essential tests and scans.

The first CDC is located at the Rochester Healthy Living Centre on Delce Road and is due to open in phases starting on 21 August.

The facility's initial phase will provide access to ultrasound scans, respiratory and cardiology services such as echocardiograms and electrocardiograms (ECGs), and sleep studies.

Its second phase will introduce computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Medway NHS said the CDC services will be available up to seven days a week for up to 12 hours a day based on demand.

Medway NHS Foundation Trust CEO Jayne Black said: “I am very pleased to confirm that patients can now benefit from a range of vital tests at the Rochester CDC, with services in Sheppey due to launch early next year.

"The NHS across Kent and Medway is committed to providing the best possible care for the populations we serve – this is further good news that will allow us to deliver a better and more personalised diagnostic experience for patients by providing a single point of access to a range of diagnostic services in the local community.”

Medway and Swale Health and Care Partnership Health and Care Integration and Improvement director Nikki Teesdale said: “The focus of the CDC project in Kent and Medway is to increase the capacity of diagnostic services to meet the needs of the local population, allowing everyone equal access to services, and to help reduce their travel times.

"Ensuring there is an increased diagnostic capacity, including both equipment and staff, will help to reduce the health inequalities that currently exist in the area, while also supporting the NHS’ recovery from the impact of Covid-19 on services and increased waiting lists."