The ribbon has officially been cut at a new £10 million community diagnostic centre in Oldham.

Opening to patients in December, the Oldham Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) welcomed Professor Sir Mike Richards, chair of the Independent Review of Diagnostic Services for NHS England, to cut the ribbon to officially mark the opening of the facility on Wednesday, March 8.

Professor Sir Richards said: “I was delighted to visit the Oldham Community Diagnostic Centre and see the national vision for Community Diagnostic Centres being put into practice.  

“I talked to staff and patients and heard how this innovative approach developed by the Northern Care Alliance NHS FT and Alliance Medical is already starting to deliver rapid diagnosis, in an accessible convenient location within the local community.

“I think this centre will be a superb asset for patients in Greater Manchester.” 

A plaque was revealed by Professor Sir Mike Richards acknowledging the occasion. 

The Oldham CDC officially opened its doors on Monday, December 19 and is open seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm. 

In February, Prime Minster Rishi Sunak visited the facility, which is located in Salmon Fields, Royton.

During his visit, Mr Sunak met with staff and patients at the centre.

The Oldham Times: Mr Sunak talks with a patient, Riaz Ahmad, during a visit to Oldham CDCMr Sunak talks with a patient, Riaz Ahmad, during a visit to Oldham CDC (Image: NCA)

The development of the centre involved several partners, including the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, which runs The Royal Oldham Hospital; Alliance Medical Limited; NHS England; NHS Greater Manchester; and Oldham Council.

The centre, which is expected to help more than 30,000 patients a year, is one of the first six in the region and one of 150 CDCs being rolled out across the country to speed up diagnosing and treating patients in community settings rather, than through multiple hospital visits.

Oldham CDC is part of the Government’s £2.3 billion national investment to open up to 160 CDCs by 2025 closer to patients’ homes, helping to diagnose a range of conditions including cancer, heart, and lung disease quicker and ensuring patients are treated faster.

The new CDCs are set to provide up to nine million additional tests a year by 2025.

The Oldham CDC offers x-rays and MRIs, as well as heart, lung, and blood tests to make diagnosis quicker, reduce waiting times, and cut down on hospital visits by allowing multiple tests on the same day.

A new unit at the centre is set to open later this year that will deliver endoscopy services.