£25m Ipswich diagnostic centre to open as NHS expands testing capacity
The new facility in the town centre is expected to deliver up to 90,000 tests a year
A new £25 million Community Diagnostic Centre is set to open in Ipswich town centre by spring 2027, as part of a wider national drive to expand NHS testing capacity and reduce waiting times.
The centre, to be located on Museum Street, will provide a range of diagnostic services including CT and MRI scans, ultrasounds and blood tests, allowing more patients to access checks closer to home.
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) said the facility is expected to carry out around 90,000 tests and scans each year once operating at full capacity.
Part of national expansion programme
The Ipswich site is among more than 30 Community Diagnostic Centres across England being expanded or improved under the latest phase of NHS investment.
There are currently around 170 centres in operation nationwide, many open seven days a week, aimed at delivering faster diagnoses and easing pressure on hospitals.
Adrian Marr, Interim Chief Executive at ESNEFT, said the investment would bring significant benefits to patients locally.
He said: “We are delighted that our patients will benefit from this significant national investment. It will mean we can bring more vital diagnostic services closer to home for the communities we serve across East Suffolk and North Essex.”
Construction underway
Work on the Ipswich centre is already underway, with the new facility expected to open its doors in spring 2027.
The town centre location has been chosen for its proximity to GP practices, as well as good transport links and nearby parking, making it more accessible for patients.
Mr Marr said the centre would offer “a range of fast, convenient tests” and play a key role in improving access to care.
He added: “These developments mark an exciting step forward in improving access to high-quality diagnostics. People will be able to have these vital tests, in the right place, at the right time.”
Further investment in Clacton
Alongside the Ipswich development, additional funding has been confirmed for the existing Community Diagnostic Centre at Clacton Hospital.
A further £2 million will be used to expand consulting space and introduce ophthalmology services, enabling more patients to access specialist care locally.
The Clacton centre, which opened fully in 2024, already offers a range of services including endoscopy, imaging and cardio-respiratory tests.
ESNEFT said the site has helped reduce the need for patients to travel to Colchester Hospital for diagnostic appointments.
Aiming to cut waiting times
Community Diagnostic Centres are designed to deliver tests in non-hospital settings, helping to speed up diagnosis and reduce pressure on acute services.
Health leaders say expanding sites like Ipswich and Clacton will improve access to care across east Suffolk and north Essex, while supporting efforts to tackle NHS waiting lists.