The community diagnostic centre (CDC) at Finchley Memorial Hospital is celebrating its birthday after helping to diagnose more than 130,000 patients since it opened two years ago.

Staff at the centre were treated to cake as part of the anniversary celebrations.

More than 80 people work at the CDC, which opened in 2021 with  the aim of reducing waiting times for patients needing a diagnostic test, including those with suspected cancer.

Since then, a total of 130,152 diagnostic tests and scans have been carried out at Finchley.

The CDC has two CT scanners, three MRI scanners, two ultrasound rooms, two x-ray rooms, three ophthalmology rooms, two lung function rooms, one sleep r

oom, two cardiology rooms, two blood test chairs and one microvascular room.

The second birthday also marked the end of the phase two of the programme of works – which included the introduction of additional CT and MRI machines.

Because there are no emergency services at the CDC it means that patients who are booked in for an appointment are always prioritised. It serves six trusts across north central London – with hospitals and local GP surgeries referring patients to the centre.

Ash Saini, divisional director of group clinical services at the Royal Free London, said: “I’m delighted with the success of the CDC in the two years since it opened. I would like to say a huge thank you to the CDC team who have worked exceptionally hard to set up the service and to ensure that it continues to run as smoothly as it does.

“It’s a fabulous service for patients, which ensures they can receive their diagnosis as quickly as possible and can then get start receiving the treatment they need sooner. It’s also a wonderful partnership between NHS services across north London - huge congratulations to everyone involved.”