In the news: Community Diagnostic Centre gets official go-ahead

An NHS Community Diagnostic Centre now has formal approval to progress, as both Basildon Council and Essex County Council have signed off on detailed proposals for the site.

The decision was formally recorded by Basildon Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Community, Cllr Jack Ferguson, as the council entered into a development agreement with Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust and Essex County Council.

The new centre will be developed by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, to reduce waiting times for diagnostic tests including scanning and imaging facilities. The centre, formerly The Place, will also be home to a redesigned Pitsea Library and community spaces managed by Basildon Council.  

The new building will enhance the appearance of the site and the new facilities will increase footfall into Pitsea - supporting local retail activity and reinvigorating the town centre. 

Cllr Jack Ferguson said: "The new Community Diagnostic Centre will bring much-needed services to local people and it will be a fantastic addition to Pitsea town centre. The centre will reduce wait times for diagnostic testing, which will reduce uncertainty for those who are unwell.

"I'm pleased we have now reached this formal stage with our colleagues at Essex County Council and Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. Development of the site can now begin in earnest and I look forward to sharing more information as we progress."

Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration at Essex County Council, said: "The range of services offered by the new Community Diagnostic Centre, from MRI scans and endoscopies to x-rays and phlebotomy, will make a real difference for those waiting for treatment. We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Basildon Borough Council and the Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust to make the most of a central and accessible location. We look forward to progressing works as soon as possible."

Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for The Arts, Heritage and Culture at Essex County Council, said: "Pitsea Library and The Place will transform into an exciting new community hub to accommodate the diagnostic centre. The closure is scheduled for 17 October in preparation for demolition which will be communicated to residents. In the meantime, library services will continue to be provided at the neighbouring Vange Library."

Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust said: "The approval of the Pitsea Community Diagnostic Centre is a major step forward in allowing us to deliver faster and more convenient healthcare services in the local community.

"We're looking forward to partnering with Basildon Council and Essex County Council to bring the largest CDC in south Essex to Pitsea, making sure the centre meets the needs of local people now and in the future."

The development agreement will now be signed and exchanged by all partners, confirming detailed specifications for the site and allowing partners to move forward with the construction timeline.

For updates on the new Community Diagnostic Centre and other council news, subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.basildon.gov.uk/keepintouch 

Ends

Published 8 October 2024