A new state-of-the-art NHS facility has officially opened its doors in Eltham, aiming to transform how diagnostic services are delivered to communities across south-east London.
The Eltham Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 14, attended by Clive Efford, MP for Eltham and Chislehurst, along with local leaders from Greenwich Council and NHS South-East London Integrated Care Board.
Bringing Diagnostics Closer to Communities
Located at Eltham Community Hospital on Passey Place, the CDC is the result of a £10 million investment by Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust (LGT) and is part of a nationwide strategy to move essential diagnostic tests away from major hospitals and into local communities.
LGT Chief Executive Ben Travis praised the collaboration behind the project and emphasized the facility’s value:
“This centre represents what we feel modern, community-based NHS care can and should look like. It reduces waiting times, provides quicker diagnoses, and keeps services closer to people’s homes.”
94,000 Diagnostic Tests Expected Yearly
The Eltham CDC is projected to carry out up to 94,000 tests annually, including:
- 40,000 CT, MRI and X-ray scans
- 28,000 blood tests (phlebotomy)
- Ultrasound, respiratory, cardiology, and dermatology diagnostics
Since late 2024, over 40,000 diagnostic appointments have already taken place through early phased service launches.
Improved Access, Reduced Pressure on Hospitals
Operating daily from 8am to 8pm, the CDC supports GP referrals from across the region, with extended access for patients from other NHS trusts. Equipped with brand new imaging equipment, it is helping to:
- Cut travel times for patients
- Improve early diagnosis
- Relieve strain on acute hospitals in London
Gabi Darby, Chief Operating Officer for Greenwich at NHS South-East London ICB, added:
“We are building a more responsive, neighbourhood-based NHS. This centre is a major step in delivering early care and reducing serious health outcomes.”
Part of a National Vision for Community-Based Healthcare
The Eltham CDC joins over 170 community diagnostic centres across the UK, forming part of the government’s long-term plan to modernize healthcare and tackle health inequalities.
With its community-centric approach, Eltham’s new centre is being hailed as a model for how the NHS can better deliver faster, fairer, and more efficient services.
