Construction Begins on £14 Million NHS Diagnostic Centre in Coventry

Work has officially commenced on a new £14 million Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Coventry, set to enhance healthcare delivery in the region. Located at the City of Coventry Health Centre, the facility aims to provide patients with quicker access to diagnoses for serious conditions, including cancer and heart disease.

The construction involves refurbishing the NHS Paybody Building on Stoney Stanton Road. The new centre is designed to improve patient experience by allowing multiple tests to be conducted during a single visit. This streamlined approach is expected to enhance efficiency and significantly reduce wait times for diagnostic services.

Facility Details and Community Impact

Scheduled to open in 2026, the CDC is projected to serve around 90,000 patients annually and facilitate up to 75,000 additional tests. This development will also minimize unnecessary trips to University Hospital Coventry, alleviating some of the pressure on existing facilities.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the CDC will feature MRI and CT scanners, X-ray and ultrasound rooms, along with specialized areas for respiratory and cardiac diagnostics. The centre will also offer hysteroscopy services and streamlined pathways aimed at expediting cancer diagnosis.

Prof. Andy Hardy, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, emphasized the significance of the project. He stated, “It is a major milestone for healthcare in Coventry, completely transforming the way local communities access tests and scans and receive diagnoses for a range of conditions. It will support communities across the city to live longer, happier lives.” He reiterated the commitment to addressing health inequalities and ensuring that essential care is accessible to all.

Collaborative Efforts for Healthcare Advancement

The construction is being carried out in collaboration with Tilbury Douglas, a key player in healthcare construction. David Tighe, Regional Director at Tilbury Douglas, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with UHCW NHS Trust and NHS Property Services to deliver this key healthcare facility for Coventry. Using our extensive expertise in healthcare construction, we will deliver a high-quality, sustainable facility that provides long-term benefits for the NHS and the community it serves.”

Additionally, the completion of the CDC will mark a significant milestone as Coventry University becomes the first major institution to co-locate within an NHS diagnostic centre. The university plans to collaborate with UHCW NHS Trust to provide teaching and placements that will enhance access to critical diagnostic tests and address health disparities in the Midlands.

Professor John Latham CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, highlighted the potential impact of this partnership: “Our role in the CDC is about creating opportunities that benefit both our students and our community. By combining education, research, and innovation with frontline healthcare, we aim to improve patient outcomes and develop the future NHS workforce.”

The establishment of this state-of-the-art facility represents a significant step forward in improving healthcare access and outcomes for the Coventry community. As construction progresses, stakeholders are optimistic about the positive changes this centre will bring to local healthcare services.