Sidcup CDC has officially launched!
Yesterday morning (Wednesday 22 October), the latest Community Diagnostic Centre for south east London, Sidcup CDC, was officially launched with a celebration of the hard work that has gone into this exceptional, NHS-run health centre for the people of Bexley and beyond.
Members of TeamLGT and others from our local NHS were joined by members of Bexley Council, national NHS figures and the two special guest speakers of the day: Louie French, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup and Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, long-serving leader of Bexley Council making her last public appearance as leader before stepping down in November.
Sidcup CDC sits within Queen Mary’s Hospital, owned and managed by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, where we already deliver a limited number of services. The centre was custom built to high-specifications, including the installation of a top-end Siemens Magnetom Sola MRI machine – providing unparalleled scanning capabilities to a hospital that is so conveniently located for Bexley residents.
We will be running the CDC, just like the one already in operation in Eltham.
At this early stage, Sidcup CDC is home to two of our major diagnostic imaging services: the aforementioned MRI as well as Ultrasound. The centre will initially operate two days a week (Monday and Tuesday from 8am to 8pm) with ambitions to move to a five-day weekly schedule next year. A hysteroscopy service will also launch there in the spring.
These are two of the most waited-for services nationally, so Sidcup CDC will therefore bring down some long waiting times for patients and also reduce the pressure on local hospitals – namely QEH but also Darent Valley Hospital – an important development as the busy winter time approaches.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Ben Travis hailed the benefits to locals: ”Many of those receiving ultrasound or MRI scans here at Sidcup CDC would otherwise have to travel out of borough, perhaps even into central London – exacerbating what can be a really anxious time for people.
“But now, over 100 people every single day will soon be seen right here in this modern, welcoming new space.”
In his speech, Louie French MP said: “Queen Mary’s Sidcup has an unbelievable future…To have this kind of warm welcome and such clean modern facilities is something that patients will appreciate for many years to come.”
Wrapping up the morning, Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE said: “I’m really proud of what everyone has achieved on this site…It will continue to grow and continue to deliver for our residents.”
The final part of the launch ceremony was a touching tribute to Robert Shaw, former NHS Director of Transformation for Greenwich and Bexley, who sadly passed away in 2023. He was a huge part of the planning and vision for Sidcup CDC and his widow Margaret and their children were watching on with pride as an official opening plaque was unveiled, dedicating the centre to Robert’s memory.
Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE reflected: “When it was suggested that there would be the opening today, a number of us said immediately, “it should be in [Robert’s] honour”...This is his legacy.”
A huge well done to everyone involved in making this event happen - but more importantly, thank you to all those who'll be taking on shifts in Sidcup CDC as it goes from strength to strength!
