The ceremony, at the existing site of the Hinckley and District Community Hospital, marked the start of construction work planned and commissioned by NHSPS – in partnership with Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB – to build a £24.6 million facility, providing CT and MRI scans, endoscopy, X-ray, and ultrasound facilities. 

This investment in health services is one of only 40 to be awarded nationally by NHS funding in England. Andrew Strange, estate strategy lead for NHSPS said: 'We are focused on delivering a better NHS estate that’s fit for the future, and on investing and optimising the buildings where our NHS colleagues deliver excellent patient care and where patients feel safe and happy. 

'This superb new facility replaces a smaller, outdated building and will enable people to access diagnostic tests much closer to their homes, in a community setting. We're really excited to be part of it and looking forward to its completion in early 2025.'

Helen Hendley, director of Planned Care for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) added: 'The groundbreaking ceremony marks an exciting milestone for the Community Diagnostic Centre and the people of Hinckley and surrounding areas. I would like to thank the project team, including our partners from University Hospitals of Leicester and NHS Property Services, for their dedication in getting us to this stage of the development.  

'We have engaged with local people on our plans over several years and I am delighted to see our shared vision to transform community health services in Hinckley, moving a step closer to becoming a reality.' 

The Community Diagnostic Centre will be a purpose-built facility providing a range of diagnostic checks, scans and tests closer to peoples’ homes. Local people can look forward to the new facilities being fully operational from early 2025. 

Full planning permission for the new facility was granted by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council after close and proactive working between the NHS and the local Council. Contractors Darwin have been appointed to deliver the project and in addition, the University Hospital of Leicester NHS Trust have commenced the recruitment of staff who will provide services in the CDC when it opens.

Jim Pierce, Deputy CEO at Darwin Group said: 'We’re delighted to mark the official start of build works for Hinckley’s Community Diagnostic Centre and are proud to work alongside our NHS partners to deliver this major project. This facility will improve access to incredibly important services, so it is good to hear about the positive impact the new facilities will make for the patients of Hinkley and the surrounding areas.

'We’re looking forward to continuing our work closely with partners to successfully deliver the project over the coming months.'