Work is well underway on the new Braintree Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), with major construction milestones already achieved.
Located on the site of Braintree Community Hospital, the centre is set to open in early 2026. Once up and running, offering around 75,000 additional diagnostic appointments in its first year – helping to reduce waiting times and improve access to vital tests including CT and MRI scans, x-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests, and heart and lung checks.
Local representatives including Sir James Cleverly, MP for Braintree and Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and senior council leaders were given a first look at the progress during a site visit. Guests saw first-hand how the centre is taking shape and the impact it will have on healthcare in the region.
The Braintree Community Diagnostic Centre will be a huge boost for local healthcare. By offering faster access to vital tests and scans, we can speed up diagnosis, reduce anxiety for patients, and help clinicians make quicker decisions about treatment. This is a major investment in the health of our community, and it’s exciting to see it starting to take shape.
Julie Smith, Managing Director at Broomfield Hospital
I was proud to attend the groundbreaking of the new Community Diagnostic Centre earlier this year and it’s great to see the work progressing well. The investment secured under the last Conservative government is being used well to benefit the local community. I can’t wait to attend the opening ceremony.
Sir James Cleverly MP
It is encouraging to see real progress being made on the Braintree Diagnostic Centre. Once complete, this facility will offer residents quicker access to vital tests and scans, helping to ease pressure on hospitals and improve early diagnosis. The fact that it’s on track to open in 2026 is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.
Councillor Lynette Bowers-Flint, Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Wellbeing at Braintree District Council
Braintree CDC is one of four diagnostic centres being developed across mid and south Essex as part of a wider NHS programme. The Thurrock CDC is due to open this month, followed by Southend CDC later this year. The largest of the four, Pitsea CDC, is expected to open in winter 2026/27.
We’re pleased to welcome back local stakeholders to show the construction progress that has been achieved to date on site. The project team knows the difference that the completed Centre will make to the community, and they are committed to delivering for them and the Trust.
Andrew Finnegan, Senior Project Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey
Once complete, the Braintree CDC will be open seven days a week, offering a convenient “one-stop shop” for checks, tests, and scans – all under one roof. It’s a major step forward in making healthcare more accessible and efficient for local people.