Construction Begins on £14 Million NHS Diagnostic Centre in Coventry

Work has officially commenced on a new £14 million Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at the City of Coventry Health Centre. This facility aims to enhance healthcare access by providing faster diagnoses for critical conditions such as cancer and heart disease. With the ability to complete multiple tests in a single visit, the CDC is set to improve efficiency and minimize delays for patients.

The refurbishment of the NHS Paybody Building on Stoney Stanton Road has begun, marking a significant step toward the completion of the new centre. Once operational in 2026, the CDC is projected to serve around 90,000 patients annually, facilitating up to 75,000 additional tests. This development is expected to reduce the need for patients to travel to University Hospital Coventry for essential diagnostic services.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Community Impact

Equipped with advanced technology, the CDC will feature MRI and CT scanners, X-ray and ultrasound rooms, along with facilities for respiratory and cardiac diagnostics. Additionally, it will provide hysteroscopy services and streamlined pathways to expedite cancer diagnosis.

Prof Andy Hardy, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “It is a major milestone for healthcare in Coventry, completely transforming the way local communities access tests and scans and receive diagnoses for a range of conditions.” He added that the facility aims to support communities in leading healthier lives while addressing health inequalities.

David Tighe, Regional Director at Tilbury Douglas, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the NHS Trust and NHS Property Services. “We are delighted to be working in collaboration to deliver this key healthcare facility for Coventry,” he stated. Tighe highlighted their commitment to constructing a high-quality, sustainable facility that will benefit both the NHS and the local community.

Collaboration with Coventry University

The completion of the project will also see Coventry University becoming the first major institution co-located within an NHS CDC. This partnership aims to deliver educational opportunities and placements that will improve access to vital tests while tackling health inequalities in the Midlands.

Prof John Latham CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, stated, “Our role in the CDC is about creating opportunities that benefit both our students and our community.” By integrating education, research, and innovation with frontline healthcare, Coventry University intends to enhance patient outcomes and contribute to developing the future NHS workforce.

As construction progresses, the new Community Diagnostic Centre promises to play a pivotal role in reshaping healthcare delivery in Coventry, offering a vital resource that aligns with the growing needs of the community.