A new NHS diagnostic centre located in Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre is set to significantly reduce waiting lists and enable earlier diagnosis and treatment for patients in the West Midlands.
The £15 million North Solihull Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), officially opened by Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, has been providing appointments since last month. This innovative facility is believed to be the first of its kind in the region to operate from a shopping centre and offers a wide range of diagnostic services including X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds.
Minister Kinnock (pic) highlighted the importance of shifting healthcare services from hospitals into community settings to improve access for local residents. Jo Tolley from the NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB) emphasized that the centre will particularly benefit communities in the most deprived areas of North Solihull.
These areas fall within the top 10% most deprived nationally, with men living up to 12.8 years less, and women 11.1 years less, compared to those in the town’s least deprived parts. “This facility brings vital services closer to where people live, making healthcare more accessible and convenient,” Tolley said.
Among the first patients to use the centre was Tim Denton-Hawkes, who had waited over six months for tests related to his back pain. “This is a grand idea and something the NHS should have introduced years ago,” he remarked.
Margaret Storer, another early user, praised the location’s convenience, especially for older residents. “It’s local, so you don’t have to take multiple buses — exactly what we needed,” she said.
The North Solihull CDC is one of 170 similar centres being established across the UK, with 30 located in the Midlands region. According to the ICB, these centres play a critical role in reducing pressure on hospitals by enabling faster diagnosis and treatment, potentially saving lives.
Patients from North Solihull and the wider Birmingham area can access the centre following a referral from a GP or hospital consultant. More than 65,000 diagnostic tests are expected to be carried out here annually.
Solihull resident Emma McAdorey shared her experience: “Previously, I had to wait months for an appointment,” she said.
“But now, after seeing my GP, I got an appointment at the Chelmsley centre within two weeks. Waiting times have definitely improved.”
The centre operates seven days a week, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, ensuring greater flexibility for patients needing timely diagnostics.
