Independent healthcare providers and medical technology companies should be involved earlier in NHS plans to expand diagnostic capacity and develop community diagnostic centres (CDCs), according to a joint paper from two industry bodies.
The Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) and medical technology trade association AXREM have called for closer collaboration between the NHS, independent providers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as demand for diagnostic services continues to rise.
The discussion paper, The Critical Role of OEMs and Independent Providers in Expanding Community Diagnostic Services, also calls for greater collaboration on workforce shortages and a review of accounting rules which could restrict the benefits of public-private partnerships.
According to IHPN, independent providers now deliver one in five NHS diagnostic tests and scans and have been involved in the development of dozens of CDCs across the country.
The organisations said that independent providers can contribute additional capacity, clinical expertise and operational flexibility as the CDC programme enters its next phase, highlighting how equipment manufacturers can provide the technology, innovation, training and infrastructure required to support modern diagnostic services.
CDCs have become an increasingly important part of NHS efforts to shift diagnostic activity away from acute hospital sites and provide tests closer to patients’ homes.
However, the paper comes as diagnostic services continue to face pressure from rising demand, workforce shortages and growing waiting lists.
IHPN and AXREM said national and regional NHS bodies should engage with independent providers and medical technology companies at an earlier stage when planning diagnostic services and developing CDCs.
They argue that earlier involvement would allow providers and manufacturers to contribute expertise on service design, technology, infrastructure and workforce requirements before plans are finalised.
The paper also calls for greater collaboration between the NHS, independent sector and industry on recruitment, training and professional development in an effort to address shortages in the diagnostics workforce.
Danielle Henry, director of policy at IHPN, said: ‘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 paper highlights the use of independent sector capacity and mobile diagnostic services as ways of increasing access, alongside investment in higher-performance imaging equipment and digital technologies to improve productivity.
It also points to opportunities for manufacturers and providers to support workforce development through specialist training and education and to accelerate the introduction of new technologies and diagnostic pathways.
AXREM chief executive Sally Edgington 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.’
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