Diagnostic Centres

NHS Somerset is committed to understanding the needs of the local population. This is to ensure we can continue to deliver the best possible healthcare services in Somerset.

Expanding Diagnostic Services in Somerset Your Views

As part of a national initiative, Somerset wants to develop a second Community Diagnostic Centre in the east of Somerset.  We have launched a survey to ask for your views.

In November 2020, the Diagnostics: Recovery and Renewal review led by Sir Mike Richards outlined several projects that could be delivered to improve diagnostics across England.  The ambitions for  diagnostic services had already been recognised by the NHS Long Term Plan published in 2019.

One of the recommendations from the Richard’s review was to create Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs).  These centres aim to achieve:

  • Earlier diagnoses for patients through easier, faster, and more direct access to the full range of diagnostic tests needed to understand patients’ symptoms
  • A reduction in waits by diverting patients away from hospitals, allowing them to treat urgent patients
  • A contribution to the NHS’s net zero ambitions by providing multiple tests at one visit, reducing the number of patient journeys and helping to cut carbon emissions and air pollution.
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