Work begins on new medical testing centre

The new community diagnostic centre will allow a range of tests to be carried out

Work has started on the construction of a new medical testing centre in Cornwall.

The community diagnostic centre on the Camborne Redruth Community Hospital site will offer tests such as X-rays, MRI and CT scans, blood tests, heart checks and endoscopies.

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly chief nursing officer Susan Bracefield said the centre would help deliver services closer to people's homes.

She said the site, which is due to open later in the year, was expected to be used by about 75,000 patients.

Ms Bracefield said more than 96,000 tests were carried out at community diagnostic centres in Bodmin and Penzance, "giving quicker access to important scans and tests".

"This new centre at Redruth will mean even more patients can benefit from tests closer to home and a shorter wait for diagnosis and perhaps treatment," she said.