A new £11.7 million Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has officially opened its doors in Corby, marking a significant investment in diagnostic services for Northamptonshire.
The purpose-built facility, operated by University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group in partnership with Alliance Medical, welcomed its first patients for echocardiography tests on 18 June.
Alliance Medical is an independent healthcare provider specialising in diagnostic imaging services.
The UK-based company operates a nationwide network of imaging centres and mobile scanning units, supporting both NHS and private healthcare services.
A new £11.7 million Community Diagnostic Centre has officially opened its doors in Corby
The CDC provides local residents with faster access to a range of diagnostic tests via GP or hospital consultant referral.
Located on Willowbrook Road, the new centre sits adjacent to the Willowbrook Health Complex, though accessed via a separate entrance slip road.
In addition, the centre will provide a broad range of respiratory, cardiac, and blood tests, alongside a dementia diagnostic pathway using advanced imaging techniques.
Future diagnostic services currently under consideration at the centre include assessments for breathlessness, paediatric asthma, post-menopausal bleeding, and faecal sample testing for bowel cancer.
Plans for the Corby CDC were first announced in early 2023
The project forms part of the government’s national programme to expand Community Diagnostic Centres across England, aiming to improve access to early diagnosis and reduce pressure on acute hospital sites.
Before the introduction of the CDC programme, Northamptonshire faced significant diagnostic waiting times.
Plans for the Corby CDC were first announced in early 2023, with public engagement events held in October 2023 during the council’s planning process.
Construction commenced in June 2024 and was completed last month.
Construction commenced in June 2024 and was completed last month.
The development involved collaboration with a range of local partners, including Northamptonshire NHS Integrated Care Board, local authorities, GPs, North Northamptonshire Carers, Connected Together, and NHS England Cancer Alliance.
Director of Strategy for the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, Polly Grimmett, said: “The opening of Corby Community Diagnostic Centre is an important development for local people offering a variety of tests away from our busy main hospital site.”
Top image: Corby's new Community Diagnostic Centre