Latest News

A lead contractor has been selected as the preferred bidder to build Pitsea's new state-of-art community diagnostic centre (CDC), which when complete will provide over 130,000 extra checks each year.

The two-storey CDC will be the largest of its kind in mid and south Essex and will play a vital role in improving access to health services and reducing waiting times across the region.

MTX Contracts Ltd, a construction and engineering company with a proven track record in delivering similar healthcare projects, including the CDCs at Lincoln and Skegness, will lead the building of the development which will welcome its first patients in winter 2026/27.

The Pitsea CDC will include an eight-room endoscopy suite and offer x-rays, CT and MRI scans, blood tests and much more. It will also provide a range of wellbeing services, including a purpose-built activity centre and a community library, making the building a key hub for the community. 

Michael Thorpe, Portfolio Director at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust said: “Bringing all the services together makes it more convenient for the community to get everything they need in one place. And with Pitsea being the largest of our four diagnostic centres, it means we’ll be able to see more patients in our brand-new endoscopy, CT and MRI services.

“By helping patients receive essential tests more quickly and closer to home, our CDCs will transform access to diagnostics across the region.”

David Hartley, MTX Managing Director explained: “MTX is a specialist in creating high quality healthcare facilities in partnership with NHS trusts, using modern methods of construction to deliver them faster, greener, safer and more cost effectively than projects using conventional building methods. The build is subject to the same quality checks which are underpinned by our own proven processes, design and project management skills. We employ advanced technology including precisely engineered steel structural modules manufactured offsite while groundworks and site preparation is underway. Those combined elements bring projects into use sooner to benefit patients and staff, and ensure an earlier return on investment for the Trust.”

Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration at Essex County Council, said: “The range of services offered by the new Community Diagnostic Centre, from MRI scans and endoscopies to x-rays and phlebotomy, will make a real difference for those waiting for treatment. We are pleased MTX has been appointed as lead contractor and look forward to works progressing.”

Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for The Arts, Heritage and Culture at Essex County Council, said: “Pitsea Library and The Place will transform into an exciting new community hub to accommodate the diagnostic centre. Library services will continue to be provided at the neighbouring Vange Library.”

Cllr Jack Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Community at Basildon Borough Council, said: "This is very welcome news. I promised to keep residents informed about progress on this site and will continue to keep you up to date.

“The new Community Diagnostic Centre will bring much-needed services to local people, and will reduce wait times for diagnostic testing, which will reduce uncertainty for those who are unwell.”

The project is a collaborative initiative between Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Essex County Council and Basildon Council.