Nearly 500,000 vital tests, checks & scans delivered to the community
Finchley Memorial Hospital’s Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has reached a remarkable milestone – delivering over 450,000 diagnostics tests, checks and scans to local residents of Barnet and surrounding areas.
The CDC has brought together cutting-edge technology, streamlined services, and a patient-first approach to health and social care. From blood tests and X-rays to heart and lung checks, the centre has helped thousands receive faster, more convenient diagnostic testing closer to home.
Opened in July 2021, Finchley Memorial Hospital’s CDC was an early adopter of the national programme, delivering diagnostic services within a primary care setting, outside the traditional hospital environment and supporting the Government’s drive to reduce the backlog of diagnostic appointments.
The ambitious programme rapidly grew from a single mobile CT scanner to include one fixed CT and one mobile and two fixed MRI machines with five NOUS (non-obstetric ultrasound) machines. Other diagnostic services currently available include, x-ray, ultrasound, phlebotomy, ophthalmology, cardiology, respiratory, Trans Nasal Endoscopy and Capsule Sponge tests.
The CDC at Finchley Memorial Hospital is playing a key role in supporting the Government’s Plan for Change programme in transforming healthcare delivery and helping to future proof the NHS. A recent announcement from the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that tens of thousands of patients across England now have access to vital tests and scans in the evenings and on weekends, thanks to the expansion of CDCs nationwide.
Finchley’s CDC is leading the way across North London, operating from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, giving patients greater flexibility to attend appointments around work and other commitments.
This achievement highlights the CDC’s vital role in improving access to diagnostics, reducing waiting times, and supporting earlier detection and treatment – made possible by the dedicated NHS teams from Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, and overseen by North Central London Integrated Care Board (ICB) working together to transform community healthcare and deliver better patient outcomes.
Supporting the development of a Neighbourhood Health Service in existing NHS estate
The 10 Year Plan seeks to transform healthcare delivery by providing a Neighbourhood Health Service in the heart of communities. Finchley Memorial Hospital developed through the NHS LIFT (Local Improvement Finance Trust) programme, and managed by Community Health Partnerships (CHP) offers integrated health and social care services under one roof, with further plans underway to expand healthcare provision to provide a full integration of services.
Repurposing existing space within the facility will significantly enhance overall building utilisation, ensuring that services are aligned with the evolving needs of the local population. This approach not only maximises value from the current estate but also supports more efficient service delivery, reduces the need to attend the local hospital, and contributes to long-term sustainability.
In addition to clinical care, the hospital hosts regular community events that promote health awareness, education, and a sense of belonging—further embedding the Neighbourhood model within the community.
The CDC at Finchley Memorial Hospital reinforces the importance of local healthcare facilities in delivering faster care, closer to home, to those who need it the most.
This milestone reflects the incredible progress that has been made in delivering diagnostic services that are truly centred around the needs of our patients. At Finchley Memorial Hospital’s CDC, we’ve focused on creating a service that is accessible, efficient, and embedded within the community. By offering extended hours and a wide range of tests under one roof, we’re helping people receive the care they need sooner, closer to home, which is making a real difference to health outcomes across North London.
The North Central London Community Diagnostic Centre programme is transforming the delivery of diagnostic services across our five boroughs, making it quicker and easier for patients to get the medical tests they need closer to home. Our vision, with Finchley CDC, was to create a modern health facility where patients can access high quality testing and treatment that would deliver the positive outcomes we’re currently seeing. The success of Finchley CDC simply wouldn’t have been possible, without the leadership and commitment of the Royal Free team at Finchley Memorial Hospital, and we’re extremely proud to have played a part in turning this ambition into reality.
It’s fantastic to see this tremendous milestone in diagnostic delivery at Finchley Memorial Hospital. The CDC is an example of joined-up care delivered closer to home, made possible through collaboration across multiple teams. This achievement reinforces the value of LIFT facilities in enabling quick, accessible services, within high quality estate in the heart of the community. Congratulations to everyone involved in reaching this milestone and continuing to make a meaningful difference to patient care.
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