Extended After-Hours Availability for Vital Health Assessments in England: Expanding Patient Access through the NHS

Expanded Diagnostic Access: England Extends Testing Hours to Improve Patient care

August 19, 2025

Patients across England are now benefiting from extended access to crucial medical tests, including Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) scans and endoscopies, thanks to a surge in out-of-hours services at Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs). the government initiative is designed to address longstanding backlogs and improve the speed of diagnosis for a wide range of conditions.

Currently, 170 CDCs operate nationwide, strategically located in accessible locations such as shopping centres, sports arenas, and university campuses. Individuals can typically access these centres through referrals from their General Practitioner (GP) or hospital-based clinical teams.

Increased Accessibility and Expanding Services

A recent proclamation revealed that 100 CDCs are now open for 12 hours a day, seven days a week, representing a meaningful increase of 37 centres compared to July 2024. This expansion is projected to dramatically reduce waiting times and offer greater convenience to individuals needing diagnostic evaluations.

The initiative is a central component of the government’s broader health change strategy, which prioritizes a shift towards more community-based healthcare services. Health secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the government’s commitment to aligning healthcare delivery with the lifestyles of working people.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting champions the expansion of community diagnostic services to better serve the public.

Plans are underway to establish up to five additional CDCs in 2025-26, with a long-term goal of extending extended operating hours to all centres across the country. Recent data indicates that the National Health Service (NHS) delivered over 1.6 million additional tests and scans between July 2024 and June 2025, compared to the preceding year.

Industry Response and Key Concerns

The expansion of CDC hours has been met with praise from healthcare organizations. Sarah Sleet, Chief executive of Asthma + Lung UK, highlighted the importance of improved access to testing for early and accurate diagnosis of lung conditions, which remain a leading cause of mortality in the United Kingdom.

Laura Challinor, Senior Policy Manager at Blood Cancer UK, also welcomed the move but stressed the need for ongoing efforts to address regional disparities in diagnostic practices and ensure timely pathways for blood cancer diagnosis. Charlotte Beardmore, Executive Director of the Society of Radiographers, underscored the critical importance of investing in the radiography workforce to meet the growing demand for imaging services.

Did You Know? The United Kingdom faces a significant shortage of radiographers, potentially hindering the full realization of the benefits offered by expanded CDC capacity.

Key CDC Statistics (August 2025)	Data
Total Number of CDCs	170
CDCs Open 12 Hours/Day, 7 Days/Week	100
Increase in 12-Hour CDCs As July 2024	37
Additional CDCs Planned (2025-26)	Up to 5

The Rise of Community Diagnostics: A Global Trend

The proliferation of Community Diagnostic Centres is not unique to England. similar models are being implemented worldwide as healthcare systems seek to decentralize services and improve patient accessibility. This approach aligns with a broader trend toward preventative care and early intervention, which are increasingly recognized as cost-effective strategies for improving public health outcomes.

Pro Tip: Understanding your eligibility for CDC services and the referral process through your GP can considerably reduce your wait time for essential diagnostic tests.

Frequently Asked Questions about CDCs

• What is a Community Diagnostic Center? CDCs are facilities offering a range of diagnostic tests, conveniently located in local communities.
• How do I access a Community Diagnostic Centre? You typically need a referral from your GP or a hospital consultant.
• What tests are available at CDCs? Common tests include MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, blood tests, and endoscopies.
• Are CDCs open on weekends and evenings? Increasingly, yes. 100 CDCs in England now offer 12-hour, seven-day-a-week service.
• Will expanding CDC hours reduce NHS waiting lists? The government believes expanding access to diagnostic centres is a key element in reducing overall waiting times.
• What is the role of radiographers in CDCs? radiographers are essential for performing and interpreting imaging tests within CDCs.

What are your thoughts on the expanded access to diagnostic testing? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!

What are the key benefits of primary care hubs in expanding access to health screenings?

The growing Need for Accessible Health Checks

The demand for timely health assessments is steadily increasing across England. Conventional 9-to-5 GP hours often present meaningful barriers for individuals with work commitments, childcare responsibilities, or other constraints. This limited access can lead to delayed diagnoses, worsening health outcomes, and increased pressure on emergency services. expanding access to NHS health checks and preventative healthcare is thus crucial. Key search terms driving this need include “walk-in health assessments“, “evening GP appointments“, and “weekend health clinics“.

NHS Initiatives: Current Landscape & Progress

The NHS is actively implementing strategies to improve access to health assessments outside of standard hours. These initiatives include:

Primary Care Networks (PCNs): PCNs are collaborative groups of GP practices working together to provide more integrated and accessible care.Many PCNs are now offering extended access services, including evening and weekend appointments for routine health checks.

Hub Models: The growth of primary care hubs – larger facilities offering a wider range of services – is enabling extended hours. These hubs often house diagnostic equipment and specialist staff,facilitating more complete health screenings.

Digital Health Solutions: The NHS is leveraging technology,such as online health assessments and remote monitoring,to provide convenient access to care. This includes utilizing apps for symptom checking and virtual consultations.

increased Funding: Recent government investment has been directed towards expanding primary care access,specifically supporting extended hours and the recruitment of additional healthcare professionals.

Types of Vital Health Assessments Now Available After Hours

The scope of health assessments available outside of regular GP hours is expanding. common services now offered include:

NHS Health Checks: For adults aged 40-74,these checks assess risk factors for cardiovascular disease,diabetes,kidney disease,and dementia.

Cancer Screening: While not universally available after hours, some areas are piloting extended hours for breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, and bowel cancer screening programs.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessments: Checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and other indicators of heart health.

Diabetes Screening: Tests to identify individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Mental Health Support: Increasingly, PCNs are offering extended hours for mental health assessments and support.

Routine Blood Tests: Convenient access to blood test appointments is a significant benefit of extended hours.

Benefits of Extended Access to Health Assessments

The advantages of expanding after-hours availability are numerous:

Improved Early Detection: Earlier diagnosis of health conditions leads to more effective treatment and better outcomes.

reduced Pressure on A&E: Providing accessible primary care reduces the number of patients unnecessarily attending emergency departments.

Enhanced Convenience: Extended hours cater to individuals with busy lifestyles, making it easier to prioritize their health.

Reduced Health Inequalities: Improved access benefits those who struggle to attend appointments during traditional working hours.

Proactive Healthcare: Encourages a shift towards preventative medicine and proactive health management.

Navigating the System: How to access After-Hours Assessments

Accessing these services varies depending on your location.Here’s a breakdown:

1. Contact Your GP Practice: The first step is to inquire with your GP practice about their extended access offerings. Many practices are part of a PCN offering these services.
2. NHS App: The NHS app allows you to book appointments at participating GP practices and access online health services.
3. 111 Service: NHS 111 can direct you to the moast appropriate care, including extended access services. Dial 111 or visit their website.
4. PCN Websites: Many PCNs have dedicated websites outlining their extended access services and how to book appointments.
5. Local Integrated Care Board (ICB): Your local ICB website will provide details on health services available in your area.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite progress, challenges remain. These include:

Staffing Shortages: Recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals to work extended hours is a significant hurdle.

Funding Sustainability: Ensuring long-term funding for extended access services is crucial.

Equitable Distribution: Access to extended hours varies across the country, with some areas lagging behind.

Integration with Existing Services: Seamless integration of extended access services with existing GP practices and hospitals is essential.

Future developments are likely to focus on:

Expanding the Scope of Services: Offering a wider range of health assessments and treatments after hours.

Increased Use of Technology: leveraging digital health solutions to provide more convenient and accessible care.

Greater Collaboration: Strengthening collaboration between GP practices, PCNs, and other healthcare providers.

* Data-Driven Insights: Utilizing data to identify areas of unmet need and tailor services accordingly.

Real-World Example: The Lambeth and Southwark integrated Care Partnership

The Lambeth and Southwark ICB has been a frontrunner in implementing extended access services.Through a network of primary care hubs, they offer evening and weekend appointments