It will deliver 85,000 checks and scans every year – cutting waiting times
11:20, 04 Feb 2026Updated 16:24, 04 Feb 2026
Tour of the Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre
Works are continuing at a former supermarket to create a multi-million NHS diagnostic centre that health chiefs hope will reduce waiting times in the Potteries. Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) – which is being created at Hanley’s one-time Sainsbury’s branch – is on track to open in April.
The Etruria Road supermarket had been empty since Sainsbury’s quit in January 2022. But StokeonTrentLive reported two years later how the land was being overhauled to play host to a £42.6 million diagnostic hub.
Once finished the facility will provide CT and MRI scans along with ultrasound, X-ray and phlebotomy. What is key for NHS bosses is it will ease the demand on the Royal Stoke University Hospital as it will stop patients having to travel there.
Health chiefs tour the Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre set to open in April
They hope the facility will slash waiting times with the centre capable of delivering up to 85,000 checks and scans each year. Officials say by ‘increasing diagnostic capacity’ it will bring about earlier diagnosis and quicker treatment decisions for patients.
The location will also give a boost to Hanley with more heading into the area and a huge plot on a key road transformed. Bosses headed down to the site recently for a tour.
Dr Simon Constable, chief executive of University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM), said: “Early diagnosis is vital to improving outcomes for our patients. The Stoke-on-Trent CDC puts high-quality diagnostic services right in the heart of the community, making it easier for people to access the tests they need without the need to attend a hospital site. This additional capacity will help us reduce waiting times and deliver care in a way that is more convenient and centred around our patients.”
Health chiefs tour the Stoke-on-Trent Community Diagnostic Centre set to open in April
Dr Ann-Marie Morris, deputy medical director, hopes it will make a ‘real difference’ for patients.
She said: “This is a fantastic, purpose-built facility with state-of-the-art equipment that will provide an excellent environment for both patients and staff. Being based in the centre of Hanley means the service will be accessible, welcoming and much closer to where people live and work, which will make a real difference to the patient experience.”
Last month and works saw infection prevention testing of the sample room, delivery of CT scanners, the ordering of equipment and medicines, and further development of staff parking plans.
Lorraine Whitehead, director of estates, facilities and PFI, said: “Every time I visit the site it has been further transformed. It has been fantastic to see the progress being made and how quickly the building is becoming a modern clinical facility. I would like to thank our estates and projects teams and our contractors, who have been working tirelessly, seven days a week, to ensure the centre is delivered on time.”
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