Community diagnostic centres (CDCs) - Guidance for planning, design and implementation

Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) offer patients a wide range of diagnostic tests closer to home and greater choice on where and how they are undertaken, reducing the need for hospital visits and potentially expediting the start of treatment.

As at August 2024, 165 sites are operational in England in a variety of settings including shopping centres, university campuses and football stadiums and have delivered over 9 million tests, checks and scans. Of these, 135 are operating from their permanent CDC building and the rest from temporary capacity while the CDC build is completed.

The focus now is the full opening and development of these sites so that they, along with new investment in acute imaging and endoscopy services; it is envisaged that they will deliver up to 9 million tests each year by the end of 2024/25.

This guidance sets out next steps and best practice for systems on developing CDCs, including sections on commissioning, governance, engagement, regulatory and accreditation requirements, digital connectivity, workforce and pathway development.