AXREM and IHPN Publish Joint Discussion Paper Highlighting the Critical Role of Partnerships in Expanding Community Diagnostic Services

New paper demonstrates how collaboration between independent healthcare providers and medical technology manufacturers is helping the NHS increase diagnostic capacity, improve patient access and reduce waiting times.

AXREM, the trade association representing suppliers of diagnostic medical imaging, radiotherapy, healthcare IT and care equipment and the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), the representative body for independent healthcare providers, have today published a joint discussion paper, "The Critical Role of OEMs and Independent Providers in Expanding Community Diagnostic Services."

The paper examines how the partnership between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), independent healthcare providers and the NHS is supporting the successful expansion of Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) across the UK and helping to address growing demand for diagnostic services.

With the NHS facing unprecedented pressures from increasing waiting lists, workforce shortages, more complex patient pathways and rising demand associated with an ageing population, the paper argues that collaboration across the healthcare system will be essential to delivering sustainable improvements in diagnostic capacity and patient outcomes.

Community Diagnostic Centres have become a central pillar of the NHS's strategy to provide faster diagnoses, reduce waiting times and bring services closer to local communities. The report highlights how independent providers contribute additional capacity, expertise and operational flexibility, while OEMs deliver the technology, innovation, training and infrastructure required to support modern diagnostic services.

Together, these partnerships are enabling healthcare systems to increase productivity, accelerate the adoption of new technologies and improve the overall patient experience.

Sally Edgington, Chief Executive Officer of AXREM, said: "Community Diagnostic Centres are demonstrating the value of true partnership across the healthcare ecosystem. Modern diagnostic services rely not only on advanced technology, but also on the expertise, training, maintenance and long-term support that OEMs provide. By working closely with independent healthcare providers and the NHS, our members are helping to deliver innovative, resilient and patient-centred diagnostic services that can meet growing demand both now and in the future."

Danielle Henry, Director of Policy at IHPN, said:

“Independent providers have a proven track record for delivering accessible, high quality NHS diagnostic services, with the sector now providing 1 in 5 of all NHS tests and scans, as well as developing dozens of conveniently located NHS Community Diagnostics Centres (CDCs) all across the country. 

"As the CDC programme moves into its next phase – and with NHS diagnostics waiting lists still at record levels - it’s vital that this partnership working is strengthened even further – turbocharging the development of a more efficient, productive and accessible diagnostic system with the patient at its heart."

The discussion paper outlines several ways in which collaboration is delivering tangible benefits, including:

• Expanding access to diagnostic services through Community Diagnostic Centres and mobile solutions.
• Increasing productivity through modern, high-performance diagnostic equipment and digital technologies.
• Supporting workforce development through specialist training and education programmes.
• Accelerating innovation and the adoption of new diagnostic pathways.
• Enhancing patient experience by providing faster, more convenient access to diagnostic testing closer to home.

The paper also makes a number of recommendations including the need for national and regional NHS bodies to engage with independent providers and industry partners earlier in diagnostic service planning and CDC development programmes; as well as the need for all sectors to work together to address workforce shortages through expanded training, professional development and recruitment initiatives. The paper also calls for further evaluation of how accounting rules impact the potential benefits public-private partnerships.

The paper concludes that reducing diagnostic waiting times and meeting future healthcare demand cannot be achieved by any one organisation acting alone. Instead, long-term success will depend on continued collaboration between the NHS, independent healthcare providers and OEMs, supported by clear policy direction, sustainable investment and collaborative planning.

As the NHS continues to expand community-based diagnostic services, AXREM and IHPN are calling for policymakers and system leaders to recognise and support the vital role that industry and independent sector partnerships play in delivering high-quality, accessible diagnostic care.