The centre, which will be run by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust with medical equipment managed by Ergéa, was given conditional planning permission earlier this month, with the building expected to open in early summer 2026.

Adam Turner, head of imaging at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘Both our radiology team and I are really excited about the opportunities to bring complex imaging into the community with this new diagnostic centre.

‘The high-end equipment planned for this new facility will allow us to perform complex CT and MRI scans that we could previously only perform at Musgrove Park and Yeovil hospitals.

‘Not only will it free up much needed capacity on our hospital scanners and help with managing our waiting lists, but this purpose-built centre will also offer a brilliant patient experience.

‘Centrally located in the county, and with good transport links, this facility will benefit the whole population of Somerset.'

The work follows the opening of a community diagnostic centre in Taunton in 2020, as well as the development of a diagnostic centre next to Yeovil Hospital, which is expected to open in the next few months.