Thousands to benefit from new NHS hub

The new NHS hub is expected to carry out nearly 40,000 tests in its first year

A new Community Diagnostics Centre (CDC) is set to open this summer, aiming to speed up access to vital NHS tests for thousands of patients across Surrey and Sussex.

The centre is funded by NHS England and will be based in the Belfry Shopping Centre in Redhill, Surrey.

It is expected to carry out nearly 40,000 tests in its first year, potentially reducing around 200,000 patient journeys to East Surrey Hospital over five years.

Angela Stevenson, chief executive of Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said the new facility would "help meet rising demand and reduce waiting times".

Once operational, the CDC will offer a 12-hour, seven-day-a-week service, providing tests such as CT scans, X-rays, ECGs, ultrasounds, and blood and respiratory checks.

The centre will also allow GPs to refer patients directly, streamlining the diagnostic process and offering a "one-stop shop" for a range of tests.

The CDC is a joint initiative between Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust and Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board.

Ms Stevenson said: "Quicker and more efficient tests mean we can start treatment for serious illnesses like cancer sooner, improving outcomes for our patients."

A CDC in Crawley has delivered more than 169,000 tests since 2023

The Redhill CDC builds on the Trust's existing services at Crawley Hospital, where over 169,000 tests have already been delivered since 2023 with plans for a further 171,500 tests before the end of March 2026.

The Crawley site is one of more than 170 CDCs operating across England.