Located in the former Argos unit in the heart of Southend's Victoria Shopping Centre and operated by Thrive Health Hubs (THH), the CDC will provide 30,000 appointments a year.

James Currell, acting divisional director for clinical and support services at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘Southend CDC opening to patients is a huge moment for the community. This centre will make it much easier for people to get the tests they need quickly and at a time and location that works for them.'

Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford, said: ‘It's fantastic to see this new community diagnostic centre opening, giving local people quicker and more convenient access to the care they need. For too long residents have faced long waits for diagnostic appointments. This centre will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people in Southend.'

Michael Catling, chief operating officer at THH, added: ‘We're proud to be working with the NHS to bring high‑quality diagnostic services to the heart of Southend High Street. By offering rapid, local access to scans and tests, the centre will help ease pressure on hospitals and speed up care for patients.'

The Southend CDC is part of a national initiative to expand diagnostic capacity. Thurrock CDC opened in September, with further centres under construction in Braintree and Pitsea.