Slough Community Diagnostic Centre

A catalyst for community healthcare
Western’s healthcare construction expertise takes centre stage in the delivery of the 2,800 m² Slough Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC). A flagship project showcasing speed, precision, and innovation in action, completed within a 52-week programme.

The centre represents far more than a new healthcare facility; it is a strategic investment in transforming how diagnostic services are delivered. Designed to bring essential testing closer to patients’ homes, the centre reduces reliance on acute hospital sites while improving accessibility, efficiency, and outcomes.

Operating seven days a week, 12 hours a day, the facility will deliver up to 150,000 additional diagnostic tests annually, significantly increasing local capacity and reducing waiting times. This project redefines access to healthcare, placing Slough at the forefront of modern, community-based healthcare provision.

Modular build: speed, precision, certainty
A decision to adopt a modular, off-site construction approach proved critical in meeting the Trust’s demand for speed, certainty, and risk control within a highly complex healthcare environment. This strategy didn’t just accelerate delivery; it redefined what was possible. The entire facility was completed in just 52 weeks, a timeline that would have been unachievable using traditional construction methods.

On site, the impact was immediate. Modules were installed and made watertight in just five days. Off-site manufacturing also brought uncompromising quality assurance, with precision-engineered components produced in controlled factory conditions to guarantee consistency at every stage. At the same time, the approach significantly reduced waste, lowered emissions, and directly supported ambitious sustainability targets.

Delivered with structural elements and external fabric already complete, the modules allowed for swift, efficient assembly on site, minimising programme risk and eliminating many of the uncertainties associated with traditional builds.

The project leveraged Building Information Modelling (BIM) to drive coordination, precision, and efficiency across design and construction. This enabled early clash detection, eliminating costly rework while improving collaboration across all stakeholders. It also provided greater certainty in programme and cost.

End-to-end delivery excellence
Western delivered a fully integrated design-and-build solution, providing complete control and seamless execution from concept through to completion. The scope encompassed full internal fit-out alongside external works, including car parking, EV charging infrastructure, and integrated building services. This single-source, holistic approach eliminated interface risk, streamlined delivery, and ensured absolute consistency across every element of the build.

Equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, including MRI and CT scanners, ultrasound suites, respiratory testing facilities, and cardiology diagnostics, the centre enables earlier detection of serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease, directly improving patient outcomes.

Sustainability at the core
Sustainability was a core focus of the project, with a target of achieving BREEAM Excellent. Key features included minimised construction waste through off-site manufacturing, reduced on-site emissions, energy-efficient building systems, and future-ready infrastructure such as EV charging facilities.

Delivering under pressure
The project faced significant challenges, including complex stakeholder coordination across multiple NHS departments. By leveraging BIM and structured communication, the team ensured full alignment, transparency, and seamless collaboration at every level. Programme pressure was intense, with the Trust demanding rapid delivery without compromising quality. Off-site manufacturing allowed parallel working, compressing timelines while maintaining exacting standards, proving that speed and precision can go hand in hand.

A new standard for healthcare delivery
The Slough Community Diagnostic Centre demonstrates how modern methods of construction can deliver high-quality healthcare infrastructure at speed and scale. By combining modular construction, BIM-led design, and a turnkey delivery model, the project sets a benchmark for future healthcare developments, proving that innovation in construction can directly translate into better patient care.

The Slough CDC stands as a powerful example of how smart construction and forward-thinking healthcare strategy can come together to deliver meaningful, lasting impact for communities.