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New diagnostic services are now available at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup.

The official opening of Sidcup Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) was a celebration of the hard work that has gone into this exceptional, community health hub for the people of Bexley and beyond.

For the opening ceremony on Wednesday 22 October, clinicians, service managers and other NHS colleagues were joined by members of Bexley Council, national NHS figures and guest speakers, Councillor Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, long-serving leader of Bexley Council who made her last public appearance as leader before stepping down in November, and Louie French, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup.

Sidcup CDC now houses two major diagnostic imaging services - ultrasound and MRI thanks to the installation on a top-end Siemans Magnetom Sola machine. It is hoped the centre will offer more than 100 scans a day for local patients, reducing two of the most waited-for services nationally, as well as pressure on Queen Elizabeth and Darent Valley hospitals.

Run by Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, the centre is currently open two days a week (Monday and Tuesday from 8am to 8pm) with ambitions to move to a five-day weekly schedule next year. A hysteroscopy service will also launch there in the spring.

Speaking at the launch, LGT’s Chief Executive Ben Travis hailed the benefits to locals:

Many of those receiving ultrasound or MRI scans here at Sidcup CDC would otherwise have to travel out of borough, perhaps even into central London – exacerbating what can be a really anxious time for people.

Dr Ify Okocha, Chief Executive of Oxleas, who owns and manages Queen Mary’s Hospital, was also in attendance. He said:

This is another exciting milestone in Queen Mary’s Hospital becoming a fantastic community health hub where local communities can access the healthcare they need as and when they need it.

Louie French MP added:

To have this kind of warm welcome and such clean modern facilities is something that patients will appreciate for many years to come.

Councillor Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE said:

I’m really proud of what everyone has achieved on this site. It will continue to grow and continue to deliver the very best care for our residents.