Behind the scenes: Community Diagnostic Centre Construction

Colleagues from CRH’s Community Diagnostic Centre project team recently toured the factory building the shell of the new purpose-built CDC at Walton Hospital – a £5.2m development expected to open in summer 2025.

The whole building features 15 modules that will be lifted into position by crane over a three-day period. Following this, internal walls will be constructed, and external finishes, including cladding, will be applied. The entire process, from module delivery to a fully formed building, is expected to take approximately three and a half months.

Jude Navesey, CDC Programme Lead, commented on the visit: “It was incredibly helpful for the project team and service leads to understand how the building will come together and operate once finished. Actiform – the building company supporting the project - was very accommodating and explained in detail each part of the build. It was great to visualise the building and see how it will all work together to create the whole centre.”

About CDCs

CDCs are ‘one-stop shops’ designed to provide an easier and altogether better patient experience by having a host of diagnostic facilities and services in one place. Where previously some diagnostic procedures needed to be completed in different locations and at different appointment times, there is now greater flexibility and options for patients – including tests completed under ‘one roof’ and closer to patients’ homes: reducing the need for travel and providing improved access.

There are two CDCs in North Derbyshire located at Walton Hospital and Whitworth Hospital. Services at Walton Hospital include blood tests, CT scans, Ultrasound and services at Whitworth include blood tests, ultrasounds, x-ray and point-of-care testing.