U.K. Imaging Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Modality (X-ray, CT Scans, MRI Scans, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine Scans), By End-use (Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, Others), And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The U.K. imaging services market size was valued at USD 13.25 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2022 to 2030. The rise in the adoption of advanced medical imaging devices for diagnostic imaging, coupled with the increasing incidences of targeted disorders, is expected to boost the market growth. For instance, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2020, around 457,960 new cancer cases were diagnosed in the U.K. with 179,648 deaths in the same year, the cancer cases are expected to reach 1,514,320 by 2030. Furthermore, growing awareness about medical imaging technologies is expected to contribute to market growth. According to the NHS England, in 2021 the total number of imaging procedures performed on NHS patients in England was around 42,582,245.

Medical imaging has transformed health care by providing vital information in a timely, safe, and accurate manner. Imaging services include non-invasive imaging modalities such as x-rays, ultrasounds, nuclear medicine scans, MRIs, and CT scans, which are used to diagnose a variety of disorders. Furthermore, these imaging services aid in the early detection of disease, which assists in effective treatment. In the coming years, the U.K. imaging services market is expected to expand owing to the adoption of various advanced technologies by providers for improving medical imaging services and increasing the customer base. In May 2022, GE Healthcare and Alliance Medical signed an agreement to collaborate on a digital solution using data analytics and Al to improve productivity in hospital radiology departments in the U.K. Furthermore, due to rising NHS waiting times and referrals to the private sector, an increasing number of people are paying for private medical insurance, which is likely to enhance the market growth.

The U.K.'s imaging services had been poorly funded prior to the pandemic, with a lack of expertise in image acquisition and reporting. These were the result of substantial workforce and equipment limitations. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for significant changes in diagnostic services, but it has also presented many opportunities. Many beneficial changes in diagnostic procedures are observed, such as increased use of virtual consultations and community services.  Although imaging services are returning to normal after the pandemic, with capacity and patient confidence regained, it is evident that significant investment is needed to address chronic underfunding in radiologists, radiographers, and imaging equipment.

Modality Insights

MRI held the largest revenue share of about 33% in 2021. This service provides better soft tissue contrast than other imaging services and can be useful in diagnosing a wide variety of diseases and conditions and therefore help in effective surgical treatment planning. Advances in technology are further expected to increase the demand for these services. In January 2020, In a partnership with Siemens Healthineers, InHealth Group launched an application of syngo Virtual Cockpit technology at Frimley Park Hospital. This will assist in remote scanning as well as the rapid transfer of specialized knowledge between MRI scanners, resulting in enhanced access to clinical experts, increased efficiency, and a better patient experience.

CT scan is expected to witness considerable growth during the forecast period. The main benefit of this imaging modality is that it allows for detailed imaging of bone, blood vessels, and soft tissues. Additionally, this service is available at affordable costs and consumes less time in comparison to other modalities. Several population-level screening programs are being implemented as part of an increased emphasis on cancer prevention and early detection; and CT is used primarily as part of the lung health check program.

End-use Insights

The hospital segment held the largest share of nearly 48% in 2021 owing to the adoption of advanced imaging modalities. For instance, in September 2021, Hexham General Hospital installed the Inhealth MRI scanner with a partnership between Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Since the installation, over 300 patients visited for important diagnostic scans each month. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of various medical conditions, such as cancer and cardiac disorders is also expected to boost the segment growth. As per the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2020, around 457,960 new cancer cases were diagnosed in the U.K., and the cases are expected to reach 1,514,320 by 2030.

The diagnostic imaging centers segment is expected to expand at a lucrative rate during the forecast period, owing to increasing partnerships and acquisitions between diagnostic imaging centers and other healthcare organizations. For instance, in March 2021, Fortius Clinic, the U.K.'s single largest orthopedic group, was acquired by Affidea Group, the leading European provider of diagnostic imaging, outpatient, and cancer care services. Furthermore, the availability of several imaging modalities in a single facility, as well as reimbursement policies for imaging procedures, are projected to have a positive impact on the end-use segment. 

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The major players are working to improve their service offerings by upgrading their imaging services and exploring acquisitions, partnerships, and government clearances in order to expand their customer base and gain a larger share of the overall market. For instance, in May 2022, InHealth Services received Quality Standard for Imaging (QSI) accreditation. It is the first Radiographer-led Reporting service to achieve such accreditation. In March 2021, RadMD, a major imaging contract research organization based in the U.S., was acquired by the Medica Group. Some of the prominent players in the U.K. imaging services market include:

• Alliance Medical

• InHealth Group

• Neuromed Diagnostic Imaging Center

• UNILAB

• Medica Group

• TIC Health

• The radiology Clinic

•  Affidea Group

•  Vista Health

•  Medical Imaging Partnership

• Rutherford Diagnostics 

U.K. Imaging Services Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.K. imaging services market report based on modality and end-use:

• Modality Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • X-rays

  • CT Scans

  • MRI Scans

  • Ultrasound

  • Nuclear Medicine Scans

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospitals

  • Diagnostic Imaging Centers

  • Others