We recently welcomed a visit from Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, to the Community Diagnostic Centre site at St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping.
Dr Neil Hudson had the opportunity for a tour of the site, where construction work is underway, and to meet with Thom Lafferty, chief executive, Martin John, New Hospital Programme director, and the CDC project team on 14 February.
The Community Diagnostic Centre programme is part of PAHT’s plans to support quicker and more local access to diagnostic tests close to patients’ homes.
Construction work at the St Margaret’s Hospital site is progressing well, with foundations for the new build poured, and refurbishment underway in the existing building.
The CDC building is due for completion in December 2025, with the first patient planned for the following month.
There will be extended opening times and additional equipment at the St Margaret’s Hospital CDC to support the current additional capacity being provided for MRI scans, X-rays and non-obstetric (non-pregnancy) ultrasounds, including:
- Two additional computerised tomography (CT) scanners;
- Extended hours for X-rays;
- New ultrasound equipment;
- New cardiology equipment;
- New respiratory equipment;
- Relocated MRI scanner; and
- More phlebotomists to be recruited – increasing the number of blood tests that can be carried out
Additionally, as part of the CDC programme, the services provided at Herts and Essex Hospital, Bishop’s Stortford, include extended hours for ultrasound, X-ray and audiology. Additional capacity for non-obstetric (non-pregnancy) ultrasound and audiology are currently being provided, together with additional hours for X-ray.
Thom Lafferty, chief executive, said: “I was delighted to welcome Dr Neil Hudson MP to the Community Diagnostic Centre site at St Margaret’s Hospital.
“It was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the fantastic benefits that the CDC will bring for our patients and the asset this will be for our community.
“Thank you to everyone who is working on this important project to ensure that we can provide modern, integrated and outstanding care into the future.”
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said: “It was great to tour the site of the new Community Diagnostic Centre and hear about the new state-of-the-art equipment they will have there. I am delighted that this project initiated and committed to by the previous Conservative Government is on track, and that under concerted pressure from me, the Labour Government agreed to continue this much-needed project.
“A huge thanks to everyone working so hard to deliver this amazing centre.
“I have no doubt that the centre will hugely benefit residents of Epping Forest and beyond by easing the pressure on our local hospitals. I very much look forward to seeing the CDC once it is completed.
“However, I remain deeply concerned about the impact the delays to the rebuilds of The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow and Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone will have. I will continue advocating for urgent investment in these vital projects for my constituents.”
Pictured: Thom Lafferty, chief executive (fifth from right);Dr Neil Hudson MP (sixth from right);Martin John, New Hospital Programme director (fifth from left); and the CDC project team.