Louie French MP has welcomed the opening of the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Queen Mary’s Hospital, providing more life-saving tests locally and helping to reduce NHS waiting lists.
The state-of-the-art centre in Sidcup was completed in under two years, following the approval of plans in November 2023. It is one of twelve centres funded by the previous Conservative government in London, and was built here in Bexley following a successful campaign led by Louie to secure £9.6 million of investment.
While the facility has the capacity to deliver more than 50,000 diagnostic tests per year, it will be open only two days a week, offering select MRI and ultrasound services. This is because the Labour government slashed funding for diagnostic services, meaning Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust cannot afford to fully open the facility.
Under the previous Conservative government, CDCs were awarded funding to help cover the cost of establishing new facilities. However, in January 2025, Labour cut payments for MRI, CT and ultrasound scans by up to a third, meaning fewer tests can now be performed here in Sidcup despite the facilities.
Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Louie French said: “I’m delighted that the Community Diagnostic Centre at Sidcup is now open. The state-of-the-art facilities will help more people receive life-saving tests closer to home. It is a huge addition to Queen Mary’s Hospital.
“However, I’m disappointed that Labour’s hidden NHS cuts mean the centre can only offer tests on select days. With too many people stuck on NHS waiting lists, it’s unacceptable that this facility will be sitting idle for most of the week when it could be treating many more patients.
“I’ll be campaigning to restore much-needed funding so we can expand these diagnostic services. If the Government is serious about reducing NHS waiting lists, they need to fund Community Diagnostic Centres properly.”
