A new diagnostic centre that opened today will allow patients access to ultrasound scans, chocardiograms, electrocardiograms (ECGs) and sleep studies.

People in Medway and Swale have been promised quicker and easier access to a range of tests and scans with the launch of the two Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs).

The first is located at Rochester Healthy Living Centre on Delce Road and has launched today (Monday, August 21) on a phased basis.

Patients will be invited to attend their diagnostic appointment by letter or phone call.

The second phase at the Rochester CDC, is due to launch in early 2024, and will include Computerised Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans.

Work is continuing to develop the CDC at Sheppey Community Hospital in Minster.

Services at both Rochester and Sheppey are being introduced over the next two years. By 2025 they will be available up to seven days a week, for up to 12 hours a day, according to demand.

The services within the CDCs will be provided by staff from Medway NHS Foundation Trust.

Jayne Black, chief executive at Medway NHS Foundation Trust has 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 which 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.”

Urgent scans or tests required as a result of emergency attendances or admissions to hospital will continue to take place on a hospital site, while some routine tests may also continue to be performed at hospitals.

Nikki Teesdale, director of health and care integration and improvement at Medway and Swale Health and Care Partnership, 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’s recovery from the impact of COVID-19 on services and increased waiting lists.’’