Community diagnostic centres ‘may struggle to live up to ministers’ promises’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The location of many centres around existing health care facilities should raise questions over whether the government really will achieve its goal of moving diagnostic tests closer to people’s homes and communities Charlotte Wickens, The King’s Fund The centres have been promoted to bolster existing services in England so people can get tests or scans done more quickly, closer to home and reduce unnecessary hospital trips. “But the location of many centres around existing health care facilities should raise questions over whether the government really will achieve its goal of moving diagnostic tests closer to people’s homes and communities. “Too many people are facing a two-year wait between referral and diagnosis and the government’s target on dementia diagnosis hasn’t been met since before the pandemic.” Wes Streeting, Labour’s shadow health and social care secretary, said: “First the Government promised 40 new hospitals which turned out not to be new, now they are promoting ‘community diagnostics centres’, which are not actually in communities – it’s just the latest example of the Conservatives overpromising and underdelivering. “Labour will oversee the biggest expansion of the NHS workforce in history, training the doctors and nurses we need to diagnose and treat patients on time again, paid for by abolishing the non-dom tax status.” A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Community diagnostic centres provide easier and more convenient access to vital services in the community and have already delivered more than two million life-saving tests, checks and scans to bust the Covid backlogs, backed by £2.3 billion.