Funding for the CDC, which is due to open later this month, was secured from the national CDC programme to help reduce health inequalities in the region by providing patients with access to the care they need.

Dr Adrian Clements, executive medical director, said: ‘Having a centre like this embedded in the local community is key to the future of the NHS. We're delighted to take ownership of the new Community Diagnostic Centre, we know what a huge difference this new facility will make to our patients across Cumbria.'

The CDC was officially handed over to the trust by building contractor GRAHAM and has come in on time and on budget.  It is now ready for colleagues to begin training on the new state-of-the-art equipment and will open in a phased way to patients starting later this month.