Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, visited the construction site of the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping. The CDC, part of a £2.3 billion national investment in diagnostic services initiated under the previous Conservative Government, will provide faster and more accessible diagnostic tests for local residents.
During his visit, Dr Neil Hudson toured the construction site and met with representatives from the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) to discuss the progress of the project and the anticipated benefits for the local community. Scheduled to be completed in December 2025, with appointments commencing the following month, the CDC will offer advanced diagnostic services, including CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests, and MRIs. Additionally, it will feature new cardiology and respiratory equipment, aiming to reduce waiting times and improve patient outcomes by addressing diagnostic backlogs while allowing hospitals to prioritise urgent cases.
Under the previous Conservative Government, commitments were also made to rebuild both Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow and Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone, as part of the New Hospitals Programme. However, both rebuilds have been delayed significantly by the Labour Government, with construction expected to start between 2032 and 2034.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said:
“It was great to tour the site of the new Community Diagnostic Centre and hear about the new state-of-the-art equipment they will have there. 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 Labour Government agreed to continue this much-needed project.
"A huge thanks to everyone working so hard to deliver this amazing centre.
“I have no doubt that the Centre will hugely benefit residents of Epping Forest and beyond by easing the pressure on our local hospitals. I very much look forward to seeing the CDC once it is completed.
“However, I remain deeply concerned about the impact the delays to the rebuilds of Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow and Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone will have. I will continue advocating for urgent investment in these vital projects for my constituents.”
Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive at PAHT, said:
“I was delighted to welcome Dr Neil Hudson MP to the Community Diagnostic Centre site at St Margaret’s Hospital.
“It was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the fantastic benefits that the CDC will bring for our patients and the asset this will be for our community.
“Thank you to everyone who is working on this important project to ensure that we can provide modern, integrated and outstanding care into the future.”
Dr Hudson is passionate about improving healthcare across Epping Forest and has been pressing the Labour Government to commit to developing infrastructure locally since his election:
Pictured: Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive (fifth from right); Dr Neil Hudson MP (sixth from right); Martin John, New Hospital Programme director (fifth from left); and the CDC project team.
