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Newmarket Community Diagnostic Centre sees more than 2,800 patients in its first 50 days
A new, state-of-the-art Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at the Newmarket Community Hospital has seen more than 2,800 patients and conducted at least 3,500 tests and scans since it opened on Monday, 16 December.
The £15 million healthcare facility represents a significant milestone in the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s (WSFT) efforts to develop this site.
The CDC provides patients living in the west of the region with quicker and faster access to a wide range of tests, such as MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound, with lung and heart scans being offered in the near future. With improved access to tests, waiting times will be reduced alongside a decrease in the length of time between patients being referred for a test, having the appointment, getting the results, and beginning any necessary treatment, helping to reduce health inequalities in the area.
The CDC expands and enhances the Trust’s diagnostic capabilities, with the additional MRI and CT scanners producing some of the highest quality images in the region at rapid speed.
Claire Moore, MRI service manager, said: “We have invested significantly in our MRI and CT equipment, keeping us at the forefront of technology, and with the use of AI, faster scans are possible with greater detail. This local and accessible imaging service also provides scans to those who experience anxiety and can support patients with a higher Body Mass Index.
“Additionally, at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, we upgraded one of our MRI scanners in 2024. The expansion of our services in Newmarket and the enhancement of our equipment across both sites mean greater access and faster diagnostic pathways for our community.”
Matt Clarke, project manager for the CDC, said: “Having broken ground in January 2024, every colleague involved in the project and our construction partners, Morgan Sindall, have worked incredibly hard to deliver this project on time, and within budget.
“Seeing our patients and colleagues using and benefitting from this facility has been momentous and truly rewarding.”
To help the Trust meet the NHS 2040 net zero targets, the CDC has been designed and built using low-carbon prefabricated materials, as well as incorporating sustainable methods of construction. These include neutralising the water used in concrete production with specialist equipment, reducing the building energy use through modern design and building techniques, and offsetting further energy use with renewable sources. During the construction phase, 238 tons of carbon was saved, which is the equivalent of heating more than 88 houses for one year.
Both the CDC and the main Newmarket Community Hospital building have been fitted with more than 120 solar panels, which contribute towards a minimum of 46% of the building’s energy requirements. This is also supported by a ground source heat pump, which provides heating and cooling for the building year-round.
To ensure the building meets the needs of all, extensive engagement took place with the public, patients and staff on the décor of the interior and exterior of the building. Inside, the environment has been designed to be a relaxing and tranquil space and reflect the landscape and proud racing heritage of Newmarket.
Chief executive for the Trust, Dr Ewen Cameron, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the CDC is seeing its first patients. This modern, state-of-the-art facility brings enormous benefits for our communities by helping us cut waiting times and reduce health inequalities in the region.”
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