Suffolk to get new community testing centre to tackle NHS Covid-19 backlogs

The Health Secretary has approved plans for 10 new NHS testing centres to help tackle waiting lists caused by the pandemic - with one set to be created in Newmarket.

New 'community diagnostic centres' (CDCs) are to be rolled out across England to tackle huge treatment backlogs that have built up over the pandemic.

The centres house a range of equipment, including MRI, X-ray and ultrasound scanners and offer services including blood tests and heart rhythm monitoring.

Once referred by a GP, pharmacist or hospital, patients can access CDCs in their area and get symptoms checked out.

The one-stop shops, backed by £2.3 billion in government funding, have delivered more than two million tests, checks and scans since July 2021.

The Government has prioritised rolling out up to 160 of these centres across England by 2025 to help reduce Covid backlogs - there are currently 92 operational CDCs.

Health and Social Care Secretary Therese Coffey said: "My number one priority is delivering for patients and we're getting on with the job of tackling the issues that affect people most - ambulances, backlogs, care, doctors and dentists.

"Today I'm announcing the approval of 10 new community diagnostic centres which are helping to bust the Covid backlogs by delivering vital tests, checks and scans in local areas."

Ms Coffey added that the Government was "on track to open up to 160 centres across the country by 2025, delivering an additional 17 million checks".

Vin Diwakar, NHS medical director for transformation, said: "We know that rapid diagnosis saves lives, and it is great news that more of these centres have been approved to provide checks and scans in the heart of local communities, making services more accessible and convenient while also helping to improve outcomes for patients with cancer and other serious conditions."

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