New Newmarket Diagnostic Centre in Newmarket supporting Families Facing Baby Loss
The new £ 15 million facility has already delivered over nine thousand scans
A brand new state-of-the-art Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has officially opened in Newmarket, offering local patients faster, easier access to vital tests — and a space designed with care for every part of the journey, including moments of loss.
"It’s about giving people a space that feels safe"
Michelle West, the X-ray Service Manager at the centre, told us the new facility was created with patients’ full experiences in mind. “It’s not just about faster scans or better images — though we’ve got those too. It’s about giving people a space that feels safe, calm and supportive. That includes parents who might be going through baby loss, or a really difficult time.”
The £15 million facility, based at Newmarket Community Hospital, began seeing patients in December 2024. In its first 100 days alone, it carried out nearly 9,000 scans and treated more than 6,000 people. From MRI and CT to ultrasound and heart scans, the CDC has helped dramatically cut waiting times across West Suffolk.
“For CT and MRI, our scanning times are a lot quicker,” Michelle explained. “We’re also getting less radiation dose with X-rays and better images with ultrasound — so the experience is better and safer all round.”
Ultrasound Service Manager Libby Tett added that the space is also about celebrating the happy milestones. “Parents-to-be come and experience those special moments on their journey to welcoming their newborn into the world,” she said. “I’m really pleased they can do that in a purpose-built facility which enhances that experience.”
"It can make a huge difference in how supported someone feels during a really heartbreaking time.”
The centre has also been carefully designed to support those navigating grief, including families who have experienced baby loss.
Staff say creating a calm and respectful environment was essential from the outset. “We wanted to make sure this wasn’t just a clinical space,” said Michelle West. “For parents going through baby loss, the setting really matters.
"Having a room that’s quiet, gentle, and thoughtfully designed can make a huge difference in how supported someone feels during a really heartbreaking time.”
The ultrasound rooms in particular have been styled to feel welcoming and peaceful, ensuring dignity and compassion are central to the patient experience.
Both West and Tett say the improved technology has transformed diagnostics. “We’ve worked with GE to make sure we’ve got the most up-to-date equipment in all our rooms,” said Michelle. “It means we’re able to get quicker, better-quality scans, and that leads to better diagnosis and better care for our patients.”
Beyond the medical equipment, the building itself reflects Newmarket’s heritage and natural landscape, aiming to create a tranquil environment that supports people in often stressful or emotional moments.
Libby summed up the pride staff feel working there: “It’s a great asset to the community of Newmarket and West Suffolk Hospital. I think it’s a real privilege to be able to work in a space like this.”