The programme, which launched in 2021, offers 21 different diagnostic tests across a number of sites throughout the county, and is run in a collaboration between the trust, GP practices and organisations from the independent sector.

David Craig, programme director for Somerset's community diagnostic centres, said: ‘When the programme first began in 2021, our diagnostic services were in a strong position nationally, thanks to the committed and highly qualified diagnostic teams already in place.

‘But the additional investment by NHS England in community diagnostic centres since then has allowed us to grow our diagnostic capabilities from strength-to-strength, which has been particularly crucial as we recover our waiting times from the COVID-19 pandemic and meet the additional demand of up to 7% every year.'

The programme has created flagship diagnostic centres, including the Taunton Diagnostic Centre (pictured), which recently celebrated its 500,000th patient test.