The trust will now complete the final fit-out and installation of equipment before welcoming its first patients at the beginning of September.

Located on the site of Braintree Community Hospital, the centre will offer around 75,000 additional diagnostic appointments in its first year. This will help improve access to vital tests, including CT and MRI scans, ultrasounds, blood tests and heart and lung checks closer to home.

Braintree CDC is part of a national, Government-funded programme to increase diagnostic capacity.

This project has been delivered via the Crown Commercial Services framework.