A brand new NHS health centre has officially opened inside the Southend Victoria Shopping Centre, taking over the former Argos unit – in a move being described as the start of “a new era of care for Southend”.
The new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) aims to bring vital medical tests closer to where people live, reducing the need to travel to Southend Hospital and helping to tackle long waiting times that many residents have faced in recent years.
Once fully operational, the centre will provide a wide range of diagnostic services including X-rays, echocardiograms, respiratory physiology testing and ultrasound scans. These are key tests used to diagnose conditions affecting the heart, lungs and other areas of the body – and are often a critical first step before treatment can begin.
The impact locally could be significant. The centre is expected to deliver more than 30,000 additional diagnostic appointments every year, increasing capacity and helping patients get answers faster.
A second phase will complete in April 2026, introducing additional services being provided from the centre:
- Day Surgery
- Outpatient clinics and Minor Procedures
- MRI and CT scanning
It will be run by Thrive Health Hubs on behalf of the NHS, with a focus on improving access to care through shorter waiting times, convenient appointments and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals based in the city centre.
The wider goal is to shift more diagnostic services away from busy hospital settings and into community locations – something the NHS has been rolling out nationally to improve efficiency and patient experience.
James Currell, acting divisional director for clinical and support services at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Southend CDC opening to patients is a huge moment for the community. This centre will make it much easier for people to get the tests they need quickly and at a time and location that works for them.”
Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford, said:
“It’s fantastic to see this new community diagnostic centre opening, giving local people quicker and more convenient access to the care they need. For too long residents have faced long waits for diagnostic appointments. This centre will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people in Southend.”
Michael Catling, Chief Operating Officer at Thrive Health Hubs, added:
“We are proud to be working alongside the NHS to bring rapid, high quality diagnostic services into the heart of Southend. By providing locally accessible scans and tests under NHS referral, the centre will help reduce hospital backlogs, speed up care for patients and create training and job opportunities for the community.”
For many residents, the key question now will be whether this new facility delivers on its promise and whether it can genuinely bring down waiting times across Southend.
Questions & answers about the new Southend diagnostic health centre
Q: Can I walk in to get a test I need?
A: This is not a walk in centre. You need to have a GP referral and appointment first.
Q: What are the opening times of the Southend diagnostic health centre?
A: The Southend diagnostic health centre is open Monday to Friday: 06:00 – 22:30, Saturday: 08:00 – 22:30 and Sunday: 08:00 – 20:30. Patients will be given a specific time slot when booked in. It’s best to check your appointment details or referral letter for exact timings.
Q: Who is the diagnostic centre run by and why?
A: The centre is run by Thrive Health Hubs on behalf of the NHS. Thrive Health Hubs is a healthcare provider that specialises in delivering community-based diagnostic services, working in partnership with the NHS to increase capacity outside of hospitals. The aim is to bring tests closer to patients, reduce waiting times and help ease pressure on hospital services.
Q: What kind of tests are available at the centre?
A: The centre offers X-rays, echocardiograms, respiratory physiology testing and ultrasound scans — covering key checks for heart, lung and other conditions.
Q: How many extra appointments will this create?
A: The centre is expected to deliver more than 30,000 additional diagnostic appointments each year.
Q: Will this reduce waiting times locally?
A: That is the aim. By increasing capacity and moving tests out of hospitals, the centre is designed to help people get diagnosed faster and reduce existing backlogs.
Q: Do I still need to go to Southend Hospital for tests?
A: In many cases, no. If your GP refers you and the test is available at the centre, you may be offered an appointment there instead of the hospital.
Q: Where exactly is the centre located?
A: It’s inside the Southend Victoria Shopping Centre, in the former Argos unit — making it easily accessible in the city centre. The address is: Unit G38, Southend Victoria Shopping Centre, High Street, Southend-on-sea, Essex SS2 5SG
Q: Who can use the centre?
A: Patients referred through the NHS, typically via their GP or another healthcare professional. It is not open for private walk-ins.
Q: What is the nearest public transport?
A: The centre is well connected. Southend Victoria station is directly next to the shopping centre, while Southend Central station is a short walk away. Multiple bus routes also stop next to the shopping centre, making it easy to reach from across the city and surrounding areas.
Q: Where can I park?
A: Parking is available at the Southend Victoria Shopping Centre ‘curly wurly’ multi-storey car park. This provides on-site access for visitors.
Q: What is the long-term goal of centres like this?
A: The NHS is aiming to bring more services closer to communities, making healthcare more convenient, reducing travel, and freeing up hospitals to focus on urgent and complex care.