New Diagnostic Centre Opens to Combat Health Inequalities in New Addington

Residents of New Addington now have improved access to essential health services with the official opening of a new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) on January 15, 2024. This facility, strategically located near the main shopping area, is part of a £14 million investment by Croydon NHS Trust, aiming to address significant health inequalities in the region.

New Addington has long been noted for its pronounced health disparities. Data from NHS Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group reveals that women living in the Fieldway ward have a life expectancy that is 14 years shorter than their counterparts in Sanderstead, just three miles away. The CDC aims to mitigate these inequalities by providing early diagnosis, preventive care, and locally accessible services.

Community Impact and Official Opening

The facility was opened by Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who expressed his enthusiasm for the new centre. “I was delighted to open Croydon’s new Community Diagnostic Centre today,” he said. “This facility brings quicker, more convenient tests and scans right into the heart of the community—meaning people can get the care they need closer to home.”

Local MP Natasha Irons also praised the development, highlighting its importance for her constituency. “I’m thrilled that my constituents in New Addington now have access to vital diagnostic services on their doorstep. This centre means earlier diagnoses and faster treatment, and it is a significant step towards addressing long-standing health inequalities in the area.”

The Chief Executive of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, Matthew Kershaw, noted the positive implications of the new centre. “By bringing high-quality diagnostic tests closer to where our patients live, we are making it easier to get checked earlier and diagnose conditions faster, meaning treatment can begin sooner than if they had to travel to one of our other sites.”

Facility Features and Future Developments

Located on Chertsey Crescent, the centre has been constructed on former council land and is designed to relieve pressure on Croydon University Hospital. It offers a wide range of diagnostic tests, including X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with cardiology and respiratory services. An on-site GP practice is also available, with blood tests currently offered through GPs and full phlebotomy services set to begin in May.

The centre’s opening coincides with other planned improvements in New Addington. Residents in the northern part of the area will benefit from £20 million allocated over the next ten years through the Government’s Pride in Place programme. This initiative aims to enhance local high streets and improve community safety.

During the opening event, Croydon Mayor Jason Perry, along with Civic Mayor Richard Chaterjee and Cabinet Member Cllr Yvette Hopley, emphasized the collaboration between the council, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, and the local community. Mayor Perry remarked that the new facility exemplifies a commitment to improving health outcomes in the region.

The establishment of the Community Diagnostic Centre represents a crucial step towards addressing the alarming health inequalities faced by residents in New Addington, ensuring that they receive the care they need within their community.