Trusts are taking collaborative approaches to increasing diagnostic capacity through the development of CDCs, and are demonstrating that this can maximise investment, leverage economies of scale and support innovative workforce approaches to tackle national and system challenges.  

While funding continues to fall short of what is needed to tackle issues with diagnostic capacity nationally, and in some instances across relevant treatment pathways, the dedicated funding and clear goals associated with CDCs have supported providers to build capacity collaboratively, at scale and for the long-term. 

These case studies demonstrate how working collaboratively at scale has enabled trusts to successfully secure major capital investment, and increase activity by taking a system-wide approach to capacity. As a result, they have benefited patients across their systems and beyond by enabling them to access the tests they need in a timely and more convenient way.