North London diagnostic centres deliver one million NHS tests

Two community diagnostic centres in north central London have completed a combined one million tests, marking a major milestone in efforts to provide checks closer to patients’ homes.

The total was reached by the centre at Finchley Memorial Hospital, operated by the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, and the Wood Green Community Diagnostic Centre, run by Whittington Health NHS Trust.

Community diagnostic centres provide planned tests and scans away from major acute hospitals, helping patients receive investigations in more convenient locations while freeing hospital capacity for urgent and complex care.

The centres serve patients from across north central London and are intended to reduce delays between referral, testing and diagnosis. Their community locations can also make appointments easier to attend by improving access to transport and parking.

The million-test milestone was celebrated at Finchley Memorial Hospital on 15 October. NHS leaders credited staff across both sites with expanding access to diagnostic services and helping patients receive answers without needing to travel to a main hospital.

Stay informed with the stories shaping health and social care.