A leading councillor has warmly welcomed proposals for a new NHS diagnostic centre in Slough.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust last week revealed plans for a £25m community diagnostic centre at Upton Hospital.

If completed as planned, the centre would offer a range of services seven days a week from MRI and CT scans to blood tests and x-rays.

Slough Borough Council’s health lead councillor Anna Wright said: “I welcome the news that a new community diagnostic centre may be coming to Slough.

“There are substantial health inequalities within our town, which the council is committed to addressing.”

The planned new centre is intended to help get waiting lists by giving residents greater access to quick diagnostic tests.

It is set to be designed this autumn, with construction expected to take place in 2024 if planning permission is granted with a view to a spring 2025 opening.

A currently unused area on the Upton Hospital site is set to be its location.

The trust hopes the new centre will help reduce health inequalities in Slough by offering a centrally located diagnostics facility with easy public transport access.

It would provide health services to people in the wider communities in east Berkshire and Windsor as well as those in Slough.

Members of the public are invited to give their views on aspects of the plan until October 8, 2023.

Two drop-in events are to be held at Upton Hospital on Wednesday, September 27 between 4pm and 7pm and on Thursday, September 28 between 10.30am and 1.30pm.

The first will be held in the Garden Clinic Meeting Room while the second is to be in the Boardroom.

Councillor Wright added: “Our new Corporate Plan places a particular emphasis on improving health outcomes in Slough, and facilities such as the one proposed at Upton Hospital could be key for our local communities.

“I would urge residents to share their views on the proposed plans through the consultation which is available either online or at drop-in sessions.”

Residents can find out more and submit their views online by visiting https://frimley.ntropydata.co.uk/sloughcdc.

The eventual planning application will be informed by public feedback during the consultation period.