UK 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),- Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2024-2033

UK Imaging Services Market Size and Research

The UK imaging services market size was exhibited at USD 15.25 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit around USD 30.99 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.35% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033.

UK Imaging Services Market Key Takeaways:

• The MRI segment held the largest market share of 32.8% in 2023.
• The CT scan segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period of 7.75%.
• The hospital segment held the largest share of 49% in 2023.
• The diagnostic imaging centers segment is expected to grow at a fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

Report Scope of UK Imaging Services Market

The rise in the adoption of advanced medical imaging devices for diagnostic imaging, coupled with the increasing incidences of target disorders, is expected to boost the market growth. For instance, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2022, around 454,954 new cancer cases were diagnosed in the UK with 181,807 deaths in the same year, the cancer cases are expected to reach 1,435,322 by 2027. Furthermore, growing awareness about medical imaging technologies is expected to contribute to market growth. NHS England reported that approximately 45.0 million imaging tests were conducted in England in the year leading up to March 2023, compared to 44.0 million in the previous year, marking a 2.2% increase.

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 market is expected to expand owing to the adoption of various advanced technologies by providers for improving medical imaging services and increasing 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 UK. 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 market growth.

The UK's imaging services had been poorly underfunded prior to the pandemic, with a lack of expertise in image acquisition and reporting. These were the result of substantial workforce as well as 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 have been achieved, 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.

UK Imaging Services Market By Modality Insights

The MRI segment held the largest market share of 32.8% in 2023. This service offers superior soft tissue contrast compared to other imaging modalities, making it highly effective for diagnosing a broad range of diseases and conditions. This enhanced imaging capability is crucial for precise surgical treatment planning. Ongoing technological advancements, including enhancements in imaging resolution, faster scan speeds, and innovative techniques such as functional MRI (fMRI) and spectroscopy, are anticipated to further boost the demand for these services.

The CT scan segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period of 7.75%. The primary advantage of this imaging modality is its ability to provide detailed images of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. It is also more cost-effective and quicker compared to other imaging techniques. In response to a growing focus on cancer prevention and early detection, several population-level screening programs have been introduced, with CT scans playing a crucial role, particularly in lung health check initiatives.

UK Imaging Services Market By End-use Insights

The hospital segment held the largest share of 49% in 2023 owing to the adoption of advanced imaging modalities. For instance, in October 2023, A new PET-CT scanner has been introduced at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to enhance access to advanced cancer diagnostics for patients in the East of England. In September 2021, Hexham General Hospital installed the latest MRI scanner, with a partnership between Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and InHealth, a specialist diagnostic provider. Since its installation, the facility has seen over 300 patients each month for crucial diagnostic scans. This includes approximately 25 cardiac patients receiving specialized scans and 15 arthrograms-advanced imaging for musculoskeletal disorders-each month. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of various medical conditions, such as cancer and cardiac disorders is also expected to boost the segment growth.

The diagnostic imaging centers segment is expected to grow at a fastest CAGR over the forecast period. This growth is driven by the rising number of partnerships and acquisitions between diagnostic imaging centers and other healthcare organizations. These collaborations are enhancing service offerings, expanding access to advanced imaging technologies, and improving overall market growth. For instance, in March 2021, Fortius Clinic, the UK's single largest orthopedic group with an international reputation in orthopedics and MSK, 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 market growth.

UK Imaging Services Market Recent Developments

• In July 2024, NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, along with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, announced establishment of a new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Chelmsley Wood. This initiative is in collaboration with InHealth, the UK’s largest specialist provider of diagnostic solutions.
  
  
• In February 2024, InHealth has announced the launch of a new mobile PET-CT unit featuring an upgraded high-spec scanner, stationed at Swansea's Singleton Hospital. This unit is expected to scan over 2,000 patients annually.
  
  
• In November 2023, the Medical Imaging Partnership received accreditation as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) provider in the UK.

Some of the prominent players in the UK imaging services market include:

• Alliance Medical
• InHealth Group
• Neuromed Diagnostic Imaging Centre
• UNILAB
• Medica Group
• TIC Health
• The radiology Clinic
• Affidea Group
• Vista Health
• Medical Imaging Partnership

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the UK imaging services market

Modality

• X-rays
• CT Scans
• MRI Scans
• Ultrasound
• Nuclear Medicine Scans

End-use

• Hospitals
• Diagnostic Imaging Centers
• Others