A hospital is set to be refurbished in a bid to cut NHS waiting times.

Livingstone Community Hospital will see a share of the £2.3 billlion investment fund to create a new community diagnostic centre (CDC) for Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.

The revamped centre in East Hill, Dartford will deliver more than 96,000 ultrasound checks, blood tests and CT and MRI scans.

Construction will be over a two-year period, with interim facilities for some services being in place later this year. It will fully open to patients in March 2025.

It is part of 160 new CDCs across the country the government hopes to open by 2025 in the hope of cutting NHS waiting lists.

They will act as ‘one-stop shops’ offering patients a wider range of diagnostic tests closer to home, reducing the need for hospital visits and getting them the care they need sooner.

Jonathan Wade, chief executive for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, said: “This is fantastic news for our community.

“People can expect to see speedier access to vital tests and scans leading to faster diagnosis, ensuring patients receive the care they need sooner.”

“Faster diagnostics is key to diagnosing a range of conditions, including cancer, as early as possible.

“By being even more proactive with early disease detection, we can reduce the number of patients who may go on to need acute care later in life. The positive impact this will have for patients is immeasurable.”

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson also welcomed news that the town is getting one of six new CDCs announced by the government yesterday (May 15).

He said: “Cutting waiting lists is one of the government’s key priorities and this centre will offer people in Dartford a wide range of diagnostic tests closer to their homes.

“The technology used in these hubs is amongst some of the latest available so this announcement is really positive for Dartford.”

Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay said: “We know early diagnosis and treatment leads to better outcomes for patients, which is why these centres are so vital.

“Based in the heart of communities, they are making it easier for people to access life-saving checks and cutting out unnecessary hospital visits.

“They have already made a huge difference, delivering nearly four million tests, checks and scans since the programme started in July 2021, helping to deliver on the government’s commitment to cut waiting lists.”

Following a referral from a GP or consultant, people will be able to get their symptoms checked at the CDC and receive a diagnosis rather than traveling to hospital.