A HUGE new health centre to slash waiting times and reduce the pressure on Basildon Hospital has taken a huge leap forward.

The Mid and South Essex NHS Trust has now taken ownership of the former Place leisure centre in Pitsea, ahead of the building being razed to the ground and replaced with a new community diagnostic centre.

It will include state-of-the-art facilities across two floors, is scheduled to open late in 2026 and will be the largest community diagnostic centre in the region.

Once complete, the new centre will house an eight-room endoscopy unit, as well as cutting-edge CT and MRI scanning facilities, significantly improving access to diagnostic tests and reducing wait times for patients in the region.

With the capacity to deliver over 120,000 additional scans each year, the centre aims to support earlier detection and diagnosis of health conditions, leading to improved outcomes for patients.

Pitsea councillor Ben Westwick said: “Having a diagnostic centre in Pitsea has been wanted for a long time within the area. It will reduce pressure on the hospital, but also give patients quicker and more convenient access to tests.

“I think it is amazing, and it is great news it is progressing already.”

A public engagement event is scheduled for spring 2025, allowing residents to learn more about the project and provide feedback.

Katie Arnold, portfolio director for commercial at Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, emphasised the transformative impact of the Community Diagnostic Centre on patient care in the area.

She added: “Pitsea is one of four Community Diagnostic Centres we are developing in the mid and south Essex area. The centres will allow us to see our patients more quickly and improve the care they receive. At the Pitsea CDC alone we will be able to offer more than 120,000 additional scans per year, in a place that can be easily accessed by our patients.”

This project is part of a wider partnership involving Essex County Council, Basildon Council, and the NHS Trust, with a focus on improving healthcare services and providing a community hub.

In addition to healthcare facilities, the new building will include a wellbeing centre, an activity space, and a revamped library, further cementing its role as a key resource for residents.

Mark Durham, councillor responsible for arts, heritage and culture at Essex County Council, said: “Pitsea Library and The Place will transform into an exciting new community hub to accommodate the diagnostic centre. In the meantime, library services will be provided at Vange Library.”