Croydon residents feedback on their experience of the Purley Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) and New Addington CDC opening July 2025

Key Findings: 

Purley CDC 

• Half of the patients were not aware that their tests could be held at Purley CDC, with many appointment locations suggested by their GPs - a quarter of respondents never had a previous diagnostic test in Croydon. 

• A third of residents had used Purley CDC for tests previously. Some GPs had not discussed test location options and there was a high variance in appointment waiting times from less than a day to a few weeks. 

• Many patients knew of alternative test localities but expected their tests to take place at Croydon University Hospital, nearly 40% were completely unaware of alternative locations.  

• Many Patients chose Purley CDC due to location and travel ease with 60% noting they had been provided with all the information they needed prior to their appointment.  

• Most patients were greeted on arrival, a third were seen at their appointment time, with 30% having to wait 15 mins. Facilities were rated highly with nearly 40% rating ‘Very Good’.  

• 70% detailed that Purley CDC helped in maintaining good health, citing easy access, relaxed environment and lessened waiting times.   

• Patients detailed a need to improve parking and signage at the hospital but positive rated translation and interpretation services were needed. 

New Addington CDC 

• Most participants felt that blood testing, children’s services, fracture clinic, minor injuries, pregnancy and antenatal, diabetes, social prescribing and early diagnosis, seemed to be missing. There is also uncertainty about if and how some GP services will work and the need for an onsite pharmacy with weekend hours.  

• The group agreed that scans were an important service, and the majority would utilise them, this includes X-Rays, CT scans and ultrasounds, with half seeing ECG’s and other services as important.   

• Some participants felt services like CAMHS and pediatric services, and public health services such as drug, alcohol and sexual health services could also be included. 

• Participants cited several positives including location convenience, as well as a community space for residents and would put less pressure on central hospital services, however parking was seen as a concern.  

• Participants said there is a need for openness and transparency rather than rumors. Official meetings should take place with tours before opening. The group detailed numerous avenues for such promotion, with the need for GPs to lead communications, alongside faith groups.  

Recommendations for improvement: 
 

Purley CDC  

• Better awareness of both patient option and services offered at Purley, half of respondents were not aware of the tests available at the hospital. 

• Work with GPs and clinicians to support this awareness campaign as most referrals came from GPs and clinicians.  

• Improvement in parking at hospital particularly for disability. 

• Clarity around appointments, more information prior to appointment. 

• Signage, a full review is needed of the signage to make it clear where the specific services area.  

New Addington  

• Better communication of what is being planned, most of the focus group had no awareness of the planned opening of New Addington CDC. 

• Widen the offer in the CDC to include Blood test and x-rays for children with staff in place. As well as MRI Scans and suitability for those with physical and psychological impairments.  

• Consider opening a walk-in Minor injuries unit, to help reduce the number of ambulance calls and lengthy trips for Croydon University Hospital.  

• Develop other services that link to CDC services such as pharmacy with flexible opening hours.  

• Further enhance primary care support services such as diabetes support, social prescribing, and earlier diagnosis.   

• Listen to New Addington residents, there is a real sense that they have been asked before and nothing has changed.