The new North Kent Community Diagnostic Centre has officially opened.

The centre will offer diagnostics, including CT and MRI scans, and cardiac physiology measurements.

The opening was attended by health minister Karin Smyth, Gravesham MP Lauren Sullivan, Dartford MP Jim Dickson and chief customer officer at NHS Property Services Jackie Ducker, who toured the new diagnostic suites.

Jackie Ducker said: “We are delighted to have supported the delivery of this fantastic new facility, which will provide a step-change in the quality and variety of care that our NHS colleagues are able to provide, improving access to diagnostic services for thousands of patients across the local community.
“We’re also proud to be delivering another project which is so clearly aligned with the Government’s key health priorities, to shift from hospital to neighbourhood health services and helping to deliver preventative healthcare, as part of the Ten Year Health Plan.”

Karin Smyth, said: “The NHS should fit around patients’ lives, not the other way round, and this new Community Diagnostic Centre means the people of North Kent will be able to get checked more quickly, more conveniently, and closer to home.
“Thanks to this government’s investments and reforms, this state-of-the-art centre will offer services 12 hours a day, 7 days a week and they’re making a huge impact on our mission to cut the waiting lists nationally.

“Through our Plan for Change and working with NHS staff, we’re rebuilding our health service and making it fit for the future, by cutting waiting lists and making sure it’s easier for people to access the care they deserve.”