The purpose-built suite, which was funded by funded by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, replaces an ageing non digital X-ray machine that was housed within the WWII Erith ‘bunker' and is now situated within Erith District Hospital's outpatients department – the same building as the urgent care centre. It features an X-ray room, waiting room, and changing cubicles.

The new plain film X-ray unit will provide state of art imaging for patients within Bexley and Dartford. It emits a low radiation dose and high image quality.

As well as improving patient flow within the urgent care centre, GP and outpatient cohort, the fully-mechanised unit will result in improved musculoskeletal health among staff.

The trust said: ‘It is important to recognise that this is the end of an era, as the bunker, a listed building, is very much loved by the staff and patients within the area, but Oxleas will endeavour to repurpose this in a different guise, so it can still be enjoyed by all.'