Plans for NHS diagnostic centre win approval

Plans for a community diagnostic centre aimed at reducing patient waiting times have been approved.

It means building work can begin next month on the facility in Wellington Street, Peterborough, which should be open in 2026.

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which submitted the plans, said it would offer scans, and cardiology and respiratory diagnostic services.

Hannah Coffey, its chief executive, said she was "incredibly pleased" that planning approval had been granted.

"As an organisation, we are working tirelessly on reducing diagnostic wait times, and opening the [centre] will undoubtedly improve patient experience," she said.

Ms Coffey said the government's 10-year plan for the NHS had highlighted the need to shift care out of hospitals and into the community.

The centre will have CT, MRI, Dexa, X-ray, ultrasound and fibroscan technology.

Andrew Pakes, the Labour MP for Peterborough, said it would ease pressure on hospitals.

"As Peterborough grows, we need local services that grow with us," he said.

"This centre is a big boost for patients and for our brilliant NHS staff."

The plans were approved by Peterborough City Council on Monday.

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