I was pleased to visit the New Addington Community and Health Diagnostic Centre alongside Civic Mayor Councillor Richard Chatterjee and Cabinet Member Councillor Yvette Hopley.
This new, state-of-the-art facility is already making a real difference for residents. It offers CT scans, X-rays, cardiac and general ultrasound, electrocardiogram testing, blood pressure monitoring and GP services, all in one easily accessible local location. For many people in New Addington, this means quicker diagnoses and treatment closer to home, without the need to travel further afield.
New Addington has long faced some of the highest health inequalities in Croydon and across London. Women living in the area can expect significantly shorter life expectancy than those in neighbouring communities just a few miles away. Improving access to early diagnosis and preventative healthcare is a vital step in closing that gap.
The centre has been delivered through a strong partnership between Croydon Council and Croydon Health Services NHS Trust. It is built on former council-owned land that was sold as part of our work to address historic debt, allowing us to unlock new investment while delivering tangible benefits for local people. It is a clear example of how responsible financial decisions can support better public services.
By bringing high-quality diagnostic services into the heart of the community, the centre will also help reduce pressure on Croydon University Hospital, ensuring residents receive the right care in the right place, sooner.
This project reflects our commitment to improving health outcomes, tackling inequality and making better use of local assets. I want residents in New Addington to know that this council is focused on delivery, partnership and practical improvements that make a real difference to everyday lives.
The opening of the Community Diagnostic Centre sits alongside wider investment planned for New Addington, including significant funding to improve the local environment, high streets and community safety over the coming years.
This is progress that matters, and it shows what can be achieved when organisations work together with a clear focus on residents and results.
