In October 2021, NHS England announced the creation of 40 new community diagnostic centres in England. The aims are to create faster, more direct access to diagnostic testing, divert patients from hospital to reduce waiting times and the spread of COVID-19, and tackle the backlog of diagnostic activity created by the pandemic.

This NHS report advocates the separation of acute and elective diagnostics and is effectively the blueprint for what community diagnostic hubs or ‘one stop shops’ should look like. From blood tests to imaging these should be easily accessible for patients and doctors, away from hospitals.