It has been revealed that more than 7 million tests have been carried out at 160 sites in England under the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) programme.
The government had committed to reaching this target by March 2025.
The CDC programme provides increased diagnostic capacity across services including MRI and CT scanning equipment, x-ray, audiology and endoscopy, as well as respiratory tests, and phlebotomy services.
It has been revealed that more than 7 million tests have been carried out at 160 sites in England under the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) programme.
The government had committed to reaching this target by March 2025.
The CDC programme provides increased diagnostic capacity across services including MRI and CT scanning equipment, x-ray, audiology and endoscopy, as well as respiratory tests, and phlebotomy services.
Health and social care secretary Victoria Atkins said: "We know early diagnosis and treatment are vital, and by rolling out additional tests, checks and scans at 160 sites, we’re improving health outcomes for millions of NHS patients across England.
"We’re delivering record diagnostic tests, record levels of investment and embracing the latest technology across the NHS to deliver care to people when and where they need it.
"We remain determined to deliver our long-term plans to cut waiting lists, reduce pressures and make the NHS faster, simpler and fairer for patients."
Health minister Andrew Stephenson said: "Having visited several CDCs up and down the country, I know how important it is for patients’ health and reassurance to get a speedy diagnosis.
"By rolling out additional services at 160 sites, we’re making it quicker and easier than ever for patients to undergo these important checks."
Professor Sir Mike Richards, author of an independent review of diagnostic services in the NHS, said: "The NHS has made great progress in establishing community diagnostic centres, which were a key recommendation in my 2020 report. Demand for diagnostic tests continues to rise and these new facilities – which amount to the biggest central cash investment in MRI and CT capacity in the history of the NHS - are providing much needed additional capacity.
"From my visits around the country, I have seen how much they are appreciated both by patients and NHS staff."
