The new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Workington has been officially opened today. The CDC has been operational for just under a year and is already making a significant difference in bringing faster, more convenient diagnostic services directly into the heart of communities across north Cumbria.
Since opening last year, the state-of-the-art centre has already delivered more than 30,000 diagnostic appointments, helping patients receive vital tests sooner and closer to home.
The team welcomed Dr Stephen Singleton, the new Chair of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC), to officially open the centre and to recognise a successful first year. 
Dr Singleton said: “I am delighted to officially open the CDC and to get the opportunity to chat with the team about how they have found the first year and more about their ambitious plans for the future.
“It is vital that we can provide diagnostic testing locally and as quickly as possible. In order to treat people quickly, they need an accurate diagnosis. I am pleased that our Diagnostics performance is moving in the right direction with the Trust being recognised as the most improved in the country recently for the six-week wait standard. However, we know waiting times need to reduce further and the Trust Board is fully supportive of the team as they work to achieve this.”
The CDC offers a wide range of advanced diagnostic tests including MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Echocardiograms and Lung Function Testing, with further services such as Urology and Upper Gastrointestinal diagnostics set to be introduced in the coming months. Operating seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, the centre provides flexible appointment times designed around patients’ needs.
Nicholas Duncan, Community Diagnostic Centre Manager, said:
“Today’s official opening marks an exciting milestone. We are now welcoming thousands of patients every month, offering quicker access to essential tests in a modern, purpose-built environment. By moving diagnostics out of busy hospital settings and into the community, we can diagnose conditions earlier, reduce waiting times, and significantly improve patient experience.”
Dr Louise Dodgeon, Clinical Director for Radiology at NCIC said:
“We’re really happy to welcome Dr Singleton to the CDC today to see the Centre in action. We are extremely proud of the amount of diagnostic tests we have been able to deliver through the centre since opening and we have ambitions to increase these numbers, bringing vital tests to our communities. Our next steps include developing one‑stop clinics, where patients can undergo multiple tests in a single visit, making care even more efficient and patient centred.”
The centre is a key part of NCIC’s strategy to improve diagnostic performance, recent data shows NCIC is now the most improved Trust for the national six‑week diagnostic standard, reflecting the impact of the CDC’s increased capacity.
Dr Singleton added:
“This team is ambitious, forward‑thinking, and dedicated to maximising the potential of this outstanding facility. Today’s opening marks a significant and proud milestone for everyone involved.”
The Workington CDC will continue to expand, with plans to deliver up to 4,000 tests per month and 46,000 tests in the next financial year, ensuring thousands more patients benefit from quicker diagnostics.