A major new £25 million healthcare facility aimed at improving access to scans and tests for thousands of patients in Luton and south Bedfordshire has officially moved a step closer.
A groundbreaking ceremony has been held to mark the start of construction on a new Community Diagnostic Centre at the University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus.
The centre, due to open in spring 2027, will provide services including endoscopy, CT scanning and bone density scanning for adult patients. NHS leaders say the project will help people get tests and follow-up care closer to home while easing pressure on Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.
Representatives from Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of Bedfordshire, the Central East Integrated Care Board and construction firm Ashe joined together for the ceremony marking the first major milestone in the development.
Hospital bosses say earlier access to diagnostic tests could help patients receive faster answers and treatment, particularly for conditions requiring specialist imaging or investigations.
David Carter, chief executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s great to see work begin for this essential development, which will provide diagnostic and follow up care closer to the community whilst easing pressure on our main hospital site.”
Dr Jacquelyn Harvey, clinical director for gastroenterology and endoscopy at the trust, said the new building would improve outcomes for local patients.
She said: “This new facility represents a major investment in the health of our community. Earlier access to state of the art endoscopy and imaging means earlier answers for patients, faster treatment where needed, and ultimately better outcomes. We are proud to bring this high-quality service closer to home for the people of Luton.”
The university says the centre will also create opportunities for healthcare students training in Luton.
Professor Andrew Church, interim vice chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “We are proud to host this vital resource for the community on the University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus. It will provide essential support for local people while creating exceptional learning opportunities for our healthcare students, right at the heart of where they study.”
Ian Robbins, managing director at Ashe Group, said the building had been designed to support future healthcare needs across the area.
He said: “This is an exciting project that will provide lasting benefits for patients across Luton and South Bedfordshire.”
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