New NHS Diagnostic Centre Coming to Cornwall: Will It Cut Waiting Times for Thousands?

Work Starts at Redruth Hospital Site

Work has begun on a new community diagnostic centre in Redruth, which will offer thousands of people in Cornwall quicker access to vital NHS tests closer to home. The new centre is being built on the Camborne Redruth Community Hospital site and is due to open later this year.

The centre is expected to carry out around 75,000 tests a year and forms part of an ongoing partnership between NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board and InHealth, the UK’s largest specialist provider of diagnostic solutions.

What Tests Will Be Offered?

The Redruth CDC will provide a wide range of diagnostic services, including:

• X-rays

• MRI and CT scans

• Phlebotomy (blood tests)

• Respiratory checks

• ECGs (heart electrical activity tests)

• Endoscopies (internal camera procedures)

InHealth is already delivering MRI, CT and endoscopy services in the area using mobile facilities.

Bringing Services Closer to Home

Susan Bracefield, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said:

“We are excited to be opening another new community diagnostic centre for Cornwall, which is part of our investment into delivering more services closer to people’s homes, which we know local people want.

“Last year more than 96,000 tests such as MRI scans, blood tests and ultrasounds were carried out at our CDCs in Bodmin and Penzance, giving patients easier and quicker access to important scans and tests.

“This new centre at Redruth will mean even more patients can benefit from tests closer to home and a shorter wait for diagnosis and perhaps treatment.”

Part of a National Model

Geoff Searle, Chief Executive of InHealth, said:

“This is an exciting milestone in the South West CDC programme and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board to create this new centre.

“Expanding this model of healthcare in the South West region will bring real benefits to patients in the local area and continue to improve health outcomes through increased range, scale and accessibility of services for the local population.

“InHealth has been working in partnership with the NHS for more than 30 years, with more than 20 existing community diagnostic centres in England and 3 already up and running in the South West, so we’re delighted to continue expanding this model across the country.”

Easy Access for Patients

The hospital already has good public transport links and 22 new parking bays will be added to support the new facility.

Work is now underway, with the centre expected to be operational before the end of 2025.