Evaluation of CDCs
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of Community Diagnostic Centres in England
IRAS ID
361756
Contact name
Mustafa Al-Haboubi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
LSHTM
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 2 days
Research summary
Since 2021, the NHS in England has set up approximately 170 Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs). These are health facilities that provide a range of health tests, including tests for cancer. They are independent from hospitals, even though some are located on the same premises. They are intended to make it easier to access tests, decrease waiting lists, reduce hospital visits, and, ultimately ease pressures on the NHS.
CDCs had delivered over 14 million tests by February 2025. There is, however, evidence that they are not achieving all of their aims. For example, about half of the centres were set-up within existing hospital sites. Similarly, some users have reported not being offered a choice of location or time in relation to their appointments.
Our research broadly aims to understand how these centres work alongside other health care facilities that deliver similar diagnostic services to patients (that is, whether they are helping or duplicating each other’s work). We also wish to explore the experience of staff and service users of CDCs.
We intend to select 7-10 example CDCs from across England, where we will take an in-depth look at what is happening in these locations. This will involve speaking to staff responsible for delivering the service, other health care professionals who may refer patients to them, as well as service users.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SW/0044
Date of REC Opinion
16 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion