AXREM Future Leaders Council Publishes 2026 State of the Nation Report
23 September 2026
AXREM has today published its 2026 State of the Nation Report, developed by members of the AXREM Future Leaders Council (AFLC), providing an industry perspective on the key challenges, opportunities and policy developments shaping healthcare delivery across the United Kingdom.
Building on previous editions, the report examines the evolving NHS and commercial landscape, highlighting progress in areas such as diagnostic capacity, digital transformation and technology adoption, while recognising the continued pressures of workforce shortages, rising demand, productivity challenges and constrained finances.
The report explores how healthcare technologies spanning diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy, digital pathology, artificial intelligence, healthcare IT and patient monitoring can support the NHS in delivering more productive, resilient and patient-centred services.
A Healthcare System at a Critical Turning Point
The report identifies a number of significant developments that have shaped healthcare delivery over the past year, including:
- Continued expansion of the Community Diagnostic Centre programme
- Growing adoption of Artificial Intelligence across healthcare pathways
- Increased focus on cyber security and digital resilience
- Development of the NHS Federated Data Platform
- Greater emphasis on value-based procurement and long-term system value
- Publication of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan and wider healthcare reform initiatives
While acknowledging positive progress in NHS recovery, the report notes that substantial challenges remain, including workforce shortages, growing demand for diagnostics and cancer services, ageing infrastructure and ongoing pressure on elective and emergency care pathways.
Technology Alone Is Not Enough
A central theme throughout the report is that successful healthcare transformation depends not only on innovation but also on the foundations that enable innovation to succeed.
The Future Leaders Council highlights the importance of:
- Modern digital and physical infrastructure
- Interoperable systems and connected care pathways
- Sustainable workforce development
- Robust cyber resilience
- Value-based procurement approaches
- Effective collaboration between industry, the NHS and government
The report argues that without these foundations, the benefits of emerging technologies risk remaining isolated rather than being realised consistently across the healthcare system.
The Growing Role of Artificial Intelligence
The report identifies 2026 as a pivotal year in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence across healthcare.
AI-enabled technologies are increasingly being deployed to support image analysis, workflow prioritisation, reporting support, predictive analytics and operational efficiency. However, the report stresses that successful adoption requires appropriate governance, workforce training, cyber security, interoperability and robust evaluation frameworks.
The AFLC believes AI should be viewed as a tool that augments healthcare professionals, improves productivity and supports better patient outcomes, rather than replacing clinical expertise.
Looking Ahead
The report concludes that the next phase of NHS transformation should focus on three key priorities:
- Investing in infrastructure and digital foundations to enable innovation at scale
- Adopting value-based approaches that prioritise patient outcomes, efficiency and sustainability
- Strengthening collaboration between government, NHS organisations, clinicians and industry
The Council believes these priorities will be essential if the NHS is to meet future demand while improving productivity, resilience and patient experience.
AXREM CEO, Sally Edgington, said:
“I am incredibly proud of the work undertaken by the AXREM Future Leaders Council in producing this year’s State of the Nation Report. The dedication, insight and professionalism demonstrated by the Council members continues to showcase the depth of talent emerging across our industry and their commitment to supporting the future of healthcare delivery in the UK.
The State of the Nation Report has become an important and highly anticipated publication within AXREM’s annual calendar. It provides a valuable industry perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the NHS, while highlighting the critical role that healthcare technology can play in improving patient outcomes, productivity and system resilience. Importantly, it also brings fresh thinking and future-focused perspectives from the next generation of industry leaders.
This year’s report arrives at a pivotal moment for healthcare. As the NHS seeks to deliver the ambitions of its long-term transformation agenda, the report rightly emphasises that technology alone is not enough. Sustainable progress depends on investment in infrastructure, workforce development, interoperability, cyber resilience and effective collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem.
On behalf of AXREM, I would like to thank every member of the Future Leaders Council for their hard work, passion and expertise in developing this report. Their contribution not only strengthens AXREM’s policy and thought leadership activities but also helps inform important conversations across government, the NHS and industry. I encourage all stakeholders to read the report and consider the recommendations it contains as we work together to build a more productive, resilient and patient-centred healthcare system.”
Chair of the AXREM Future Leaders Council, Jack Bond said:
“Technology is advancing quickly, but this report makes clear that innovation only delivers lasting value when the foundations are in place. Modern infrastructure, confident workforce, secure and interoperable systems and a genuine collaboration between NHS, Government, and industry.
Thank you to all who contributed their knowledge and expertise to this report. I hope this report highlights how technology can help strengthen our NHS, support healthcare professionals and most importantly, improve care for our patients.”
See the SOTN Paper here