MULTI-MILLION pound plans for a huge new NHS diagnostic centre to speed up treatment for thousands of patients have won the overwhelming backing of councillors.

Basildon Council’s planning committee has unanimously approved plans for the new state-of-the-art health centre at the Place, in Pitsea.

The current leisure centre will be demolished and replaced with the new NHS centre in to improve residents’ access to healthcare for residents.

The new medical centre, which will offer a full range of services including X-rays, CT and MRI scanners.

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Trust said: “We are delighted that the planning permission has been granted for the community diagnostic centre in Pitsea.

“The new centre will provide much needed additional capacity, which means the patients will be seen more quickly and have access to tests and scans, including Endoscopy, CT, and MRI closer to home.”

Craig Rimmer, Conservative councillor responsible for Pitsea South East, said: “It is going to be great.

“It is going to reduce waiting times and will improve health outcomes for people and longevity of people living healthier longer lives.

“The centre should help catch conditions and problems earlier too.

“It is also going to drive footfall to the shops, eateries, and all of that in Pitsea.”

Currently, the Place is used for a range of leisure activities in addition to an Essex County Council library.

The new diagnostic centre incorporate the library into and some of the activities into the plans. Existing facilities within the Place will be relocated during the works. Jeff Henry, councillor responsible for health, wellbeing, leisure, arts, and culture, said: “This new community diagnostic centre will bring a wealth of benefits to people in Pitsea.

“Faster diagnosis will reduce waiting times and ease uncertainty for local patients. The centre itself will bring increased footfall to the town centre and a much-needed boost to the local economy.

“I am so pleased this exciting project has taken this important step and I look forward to proposing these recommendations to the cabinet.”