A brand new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) is set to open in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, providing local people with faster and more convenient access to a wide range of diagnostic tests.
The new centre, developed by University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM), is located on the former Sainsbury’s site in Hanley and is expected to open in April 2026. The £42.6 million facility has been designed to help improve access to essential tests and reduce waiting times for patients across the region.
Community Diagnostic Centres are part of a national NHS programme to bring diagnostic services closer to where people live, helping patients receive tests more quickly without always needing to attend a busy hospital site.
What services will be available?
The Stoke-on-Trent CDC will offer a wide range of diagnostic tests and specialist clinics, including:
MRI scans
CT scans
Ultrasound
X-rays
Blood tests
Endoscopy
Cardiology and respiratory diagnostics
Telescopic ENT procedures
Children’s asthma services
Gynaecology One Stop Clinics
Fibro-scanning
The centre is expected to deliver up to 85,000 tests and scans each year, helping thousands of patients receive quicker diagnoses and begin treatment sooner if needed.
Convenient access for patients
To make services more accessible, the new centre will operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week, offering extended appointment availability.
This will help to:
Reduce waiting times for diagnostic tests
Provide more appointment options for patients
Improve access to services closer to home
In addition, the centre will offer walk-in X-ray and blood test services, making it even easier for patients to access routine diagnostics.
How patients will access the service
Patients will not be able to book directly into the centre. Instead:
Your GP or hospital clinician will refer you for tests where appropriate
University Hospitals of North Midlands will arrange your appointment
Depending on the test required and appointment availability, patients may be invited to attend Royal Stoke University Hospital, County Hospital in Stafford, or the new Stoke-on-Trent CDC
It is important to note that the centre does not provide emergency care, and all services will be delivered through scheduled appointments.
Improving healthcare for the local community
The new Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre will play a key role in improving patient experience and supporting earlier diagnosis of a wide range of conditions.
By providing faster access to tests and reducing the need for hospital visits, the centre will help ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time.
Further information about the new centre can be found on the UHNM website:
https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk/stoke-on-trent-community-diagnostic-centre
More updates will be shared as the opening date approaches.
