Local MP Greg Clark recently met hospital staff who are putting the finishing touches to the newly expanded West Kent Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC).

The multimillion-pound new unit near Maidstone Hospital, will enable thousands more patients to quickly receive diagnostic tests including CT, MRI, DEXA and ultrasound scans.

The CDC, which first opened in 2021, is run by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW). Miles Scott, Trust Chief Executive, said: “Across our Trust 98% of our patients need diagnostic tests and the sooner we can carry out these tests the sooner we can start any treatment they may need.

“Waiting for tests can also be a worrying time for people and if their results are clear we can let them know more quickly. The expansion of the centre enables us to offer thousands more tests and in a convenient location for patients.”

The new unit at Hermitage Court, on Hermitage Lane, will also provide additional clinical rooms and x-ray, DEXA, ultrasound, respiratory and cardiology diagnostics rooms.

Greg Clark added: “The expansion of the CDC is really great news for people in west Kent and I want to thank the team at MTW who have worked so hard on delivering this project. The new unit will move patients away from busy hospital sites and is a fantastic facility.”