Member of Parliament for Epping Forest, Dr Neil Hudson MP, has again visited the construction site of the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping to see first-hand the significant progress made on the project since his last visit earlier this year.
The CDC forms part of a £2.3 billion national investment in diagnostic services initiated under the previous Conservative Government. The facility will deliver faster, more accessible diagnostic testing for local residents, reducing travel times and easing pressure on nearby hospitals.
Once complete, the state-of-the-art centre will provide a full range of diagnostic services, including CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and blood tests. It is scheduled to open in spring 2026, with several clinical pathways, including the Breathlessness Clinic, Children’s and Young People’s Asthma Services, and Sleep Studies, transferring to the new site.
During his visit, Dr Hudson toured the construction site and met with representatives from the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) and the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) to discuss the centre’s development and the benefits it will bring to patients and staff across Epping Forest. Dr Hudson also toured the main St Margaret’s hospital site with Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) and saw in action the Care Co-ordination Centre and the Virtual Hospital.
Since his election in 2024, Dr Hudson has been a steadfast supporter of the project, successfully campaigning to secure continued Government backing for the CDC and ensuring that this vital investment for Epping Forest residents remains on track.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said:
“It is fantastic to see the incredible progress on the Community Diagnostic Centre since my visit earlier this year.
“Once open, this facility will be truly transformational for local diagnostics, bringing essential services closer to home, reducing waiting times, and helping to improve health outcomes across Epping Forest.
“I am delighted that this project, initiated and committed to by the previous Conservative Government, is on track, and that under concerted pressure from me, the new Government agreed to continue this much-needed project.
“I am extremely grateful to the hardworking teams at PAHT and EPUT for their dedication and commitment to delivering this facility for our community.”
Dr Monica Bose, Director of Clinical Support Services and Consultant Gastroenterologist at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), said:
“It was fantastic to have the opportunity to showcase progress with our Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at St Margaret’s Hospital to Dr Neil Hudson MP.
“Our Community Diagnostic Centre will transform care for our patients, with quicker and more local access to diagnostic tests and treatment close to patients’ homes.”
