Date published: 24 June 2025
Diagnostic waiting times in the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) continue to improve, with the region now ranked 4th best in England for patients waiting over six weeks for a diagnostic test.
According to the latest NHS England data for April 2025, just 11.3% of patients in the region waited more than six weeks—nearly half the national average of 21.2%. This marks the third time in five months that the region has remained under the 12% threshold, highlighting a sustained trend of progress.
This milestone coincides with the Tees Valley Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) welcoming its first patients in April. The £24.4 million facility is already expanding access to faster, more convenient testing across the Tees Valley region.
The new Tees Valley CDC on Stockton High Street welcomed it's first patients in April 2025
Together with the Metrocentre CDC**, which opened in October 2024, these centres have helped drive a 31.8% increase in diagnostic tests delivered across the region in 2024/25—an additional 241,194 tests compared to the previous year.
The Metrocentre CDC is boosting access to faster tests across the region
In another major development, a new £15 million Endoscopy Unit has opened at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle. This state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility will support faster diagnoses and improved patient experiences—particularly in cancer pathways. Designed to enhance teamworking and patient flow, the unit also provides a high-quality working environment for staff.
New £15 million Endoscopy Unit in Carlisle
It builds on the work of the regional Endoscopy Network and the Northern Endoscopy Training Academy, helping to drive service improvement, workforce development and shared quality standards across the region.
Ken Bremner MBE, Chair of the North East and North Cumbria Provider Collaborative, said:
“These results are a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation across our NHS Foundation Trusts. By investing in modern diagnostic centres and working together as a system, we’re delivering faster, fairer care for our communities.”
Dr Neil O'Brien, a local GP and chief medical officer with the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said:
"Hitting this milestone is great news for patients in the North East and North Cumbria. Working in partnership with our foundation trusts and partners across the healthcare system we are working hard to drive down waiting times and get people diagnosed and access to the support they need much quicker.
"This approach is complemented by the ICB's Waiting Well Programme, which offers targeted support to patients waiting for planned care from our most deprived communities. Evidence shows that by taking simple steps before surgery or treatment to improve fitness, diet and mental health, helps patients make a better and quicker recovery. It also reduces the risk of their treatment being cancelled because of them not being well or fit enough to have the operation."
Looking ahead, the region plans to expand services at both CDCs and open a third centre in Workington in July 2025. Additional funding has also been secured to introduce new services such as audiology, liver surveillance and sleep assessments.
The NENC Provider Collaborative remains committed to reducing waiting times and improving access to care through continued investment, innovation and partnership working.
* The Tees Valley CDC is a partnership between North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, working together as part of University Hospitals Tees.
** The Metrocentre CDC is a joint initiative between Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, delivered through the Great North Healthcare Alliance.
