The Critical Role of OEMs and Independent Providers in Expanding Community Diagnostic Services

24 September 2026

Driving Diagnostic Capacity Through Partnership

A new joint discussion paper from AXREM and the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) looks at the role independent healthcare providers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) play in expanding NHS diagnostic capacity.

Community Diagnostic Centres have become central to the NHS’s plans for reducing waiting times and bringing care closer to patients. This paper argues that their success depends on close collaboration between the NHS, independent providers and industry, not just new buildings and equipment.

It sets out the independent sector’s contribution to capacity, productivity and workforce, alongside the part OEMs play in technology, training and long-term infrastructure support. The paper closes with a set of recommendations for government and NHS leaders on collaborative planning, innovation adoption and long-term investment.

For anyone working across medtech, diagnostics or healthcare policy, it’s a useful look at what partnership between industry and providers can deliver, and what’s needed to sustain it.

Download the resource using the above download button