AXREM, the UK trade association representing suppliers of diagnostic medical imaging, radiotherapy, healthcare IT, and related technologies, has today released its second annual State of the Nation report, produced by the AXREM Future Leaders Council (AFLC).
The report provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the NHS, while underlining the vital role that innovation, investment, and collaboration with industry will play in shaping the future of UK healthcare and is designed to complement our overarching strategic priorities.
Building on last year’s inaugural publication, this new edition captures year-on-year insights, with a sharp focus on diagnostic capacity, workforce shortages, procurement reform, digital resilience, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in clinical practice.
Key findings include:
- Procurement Reform
- NHS Restructuring
- Technology Backlog
- Cyber Security Threats
- AI in Diagnostics
- Workforce and Wellbeing
- Cancer and Elective Care
The AXREM Future Leaders Council has identified several key statistics that underscore the ongoing challenges facing NHS services, particularly within medical imaging. Building on the facts and figures presented in last year’s report, we have focused on comparable year-on-year data to more accurately illustrate the current state of the sector across the UK.
The NHS continues to grapple with a significant staffing crisis, particularly in diagnostic and cancer care sectors. Despite the government's commitment to reform, the effectiveness of new medical equipment, such as the proposed doubling of CT and MRI scanners, hinges on the ability to recruit and retain sufficient staff to operate and interpret these technologies.
James Bill, AXREM’s Future Leader Council Chair said: Since our last SOTN report, the NHS has seen major changes: the abolition of NHS England, new procurement regulations, and growing pressure from staffing shortages. This year’s edition is more comprehensive, covering advances in AI, rising cybersecurity risks, and the imminent introduction of value-based procurement, while updating the key metrics from last year. My thanks to Jack, Ehren & Luke from the AXREM Future Leaders Council for running the analysis and bringing this report together.
Sally Edgington, AXREM’s CEO said: "This year’s State of the Nation report reflects the urgency and complexity of the moment we’re in. The NHS is navigating seismic shifts, from workforce pressures to digital transformation and our members stand ready to support that journey with innovation, insight, and unwavering partnership.
What makes this report especially meaningful is that it’s driven by the AXREM Future Leaders Council, a group of emerging voices who bring fresh perspective and deep commitment to shaping healthcare for the better. Their findings are clear: we must invest not just in technology, but in the systems, people, and processes that allow it to thrive.
AXREM will continue to champion collaboration across industry and government to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of safe, equitable, and resilient healthcare. The future is not just something we prepare for, it’s something we build together.”
The State of the Nation Report reveals a healthcare system under strain, yet full of potential. From ageing equipment and persistent diagnostic delays to transformative advances in AI and cyber resilience, the direction of travel is clear: innovation, integration, and investment must go hand-in-hand.
AXREM stand ready to partner with the NHS, policymakers, and stakeholders to help shape a future-focused healthcare system. One that is not only more efficient but also more equitable, resilient, and centred around the needs of patients and the professionals who care for them.
About the Report
The State of the Nation is produced by the AXREM Future Leaders Council (AFLC), giving a platform to the next generation of industry leaders to shape debate and share frontline insights. The report complements AXREM’s Strategic Priorities 2025–2027, setting out where technology and innovation can support NHS recovery and long-term resilience.
Note:
AXREM members supply the majority of diagnostic medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment installed in UK hospitals. In doing so, our member companies and their employees work side by side with Radiologists, Radiographers, Practitioners, Oncologists and a wide range of healthcare professionals in delivering healthcare to patients using our technologies.
Our members therefore have unique knowledge, experience and insight into the workflow and challenges faced by healthcare professionals on a day-to-day basis, which enables us to develop and offer innovative solutions to improve the speed and quality of diagnostic procedures and treatments with our ultimate aim of improving patient care.
Although our members operate in a highly competitive commercial environment and in strict conformity with UK laws and regulations, certain issues such as this require focus and resolution on an industry-wide basis.
For further information about this press release please contact AXREM Chief Executive Officer – Sally Edgington
AXREM, Rotherwick House, 3 Thomas More Street, London, E1W 1YZ
E sally.edgington@axrem.org.uk
T 07717 058649
