New Community Diagnostic Centre to open at Livingstone Community Hospital in Dartford

A new centre offering a range of new diagnostic services, including CT and MRI scans, ECGs and X-rays for patients across Dartford is set to open at the Livingstone Community Hospital site. The Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has been approved by NHS England and will fully open to patients in March 2025 with diagnostics provided in interim facilities from Autumn 2023 whilst a permanent CDC is built.

The CDC will significantly expand diagnostic capacity in north west Kent, meaning faster access and earlier diagnosis. Patients will wait less time for tests and procedures that help diagnose conditions and lead to more comprehensive treatment plans, reducing the number of times people will have to go to a hospital.

It will be co-located with Livingstone Community Hospital and construction will begin soon. The development of the site will be over a two-year period, with interim facilities for some services being in place by autumn this year.

Jonathan Wade, Chief Executive for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, said: “This is fantastic news for our community. People can expect to see speedier access to vital tests and scans leading to faster diagnosis, ensuring patients receive the care they need sooner.”

“Faster diagnostics is key to diagnosing a range of conditions, including cancer, as early as possible. By being even more proactive with early disease detection, we can reduce the number of patients who may go on to need acute care later in life. The positive impact this will have for patients is immeasurable.”