Braintree Diagnostic Centre handover ahead of September opening
Local people are one step closer to benefiting from faster access to tests and scans following the formal handover of the new Braintree Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC).
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust have taken ownership of the centre from McLaughlin & Harvey, the construction company behind the project.
The Trust will now complete the final fit-out and installation of equipment before welcoming its first patients at the beginning of September.
Once open, Braintree CDC will help diagnose conditions sooner, reducing waiting times and supporting faster treatment decisions.
Located on the site of Braintree Community Hospital, the centre will offer around 75,000 additional diagnostic appointments in its first year. This will help improve access to vital tests, including CT and MRI scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests and heart and lung checks closer to home.
The Braintree Community Diagnostic Centre will be open seven days a week, offering a convenient one-stop shop for checks, tests and scans, all under one roof.
Braintree CDC is the third of four diagnostic centres being developed across mid and south Essex as part of a wider NHS programme. Thurrock CDC and Southend CDC are already open. The fourth and largest centre is currently under construction in Pitsea and is expected to open in summer 2027.
The centre represents a major investment in diagnostic services across mid and south Essex and will play a key role in helping patients receive earlier diagnoses and treatment.