Cancer diagnosed same-day at new NHS centre

A new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at St Margaret's Hospital in Epping, Essex, has opened, with a senior doctor stating that some cancer diagnoses could be made on the same day as patient testing.

Dr. Monica Bose, a consultant gastroenterologist, revealed that the second phase of the Epping centre, slated for completion by early 2027, is designed to significantly accelerate the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal cancers. This phase will allow for same-day CT scans and endoscopies, with patients potentially receiving results on the same day.

The £26m centre has already seen approximately 700 patients since its soft opening in March. The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has recruited 75 new staff to operate the facility, which also offers testing for women's health, paediatrics, and cardiology.

While diagnostic testing continues at the trust's acute hospital in Harlow, CDCs are considered the future of the NHS. The Epping centre has invested in new equipment, including an AI-powered MRI scanner, to enhance efficiency.

This initiative comes as PAHT has faced criticism for its cancer waiting times. Although the national target is to diagnose or rule out cancer within 28 days for at least 75% of urgent referrals, PAHT has not consistently met this goal. In the year to August 2025, only 53.4% of patients started treatment within 62 days, ranking the trust among the lowest performers in England.

Experts support the vision for CDCs, emphasizing that early diagnosis is crucial for cancer survival. Each four-week delay in diagnosis can increase the risk of death by up to 10%. England currently has 170 CDCs, with further investment planned by the government to expand their reach.