U.K. Imaging Services Market (By Modality: X-ray, CT Scans, MRI Scans, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine Scans; By End-use: Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, Others)- Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2022-2030.

The U.K. imaging services market was surpassed at USD 13.3 billion in 2021 and is expected to hit around USD 23.95 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.75% from 2022 to 2030.

 Medical imaging technologies are highly useful in detecting changes in the appearance of organs, tissues, and arteries, as well as diagnosing various diseases like cancer. Each modality has its own set of advantages for effectively identifying a variety of medical conditions. The prevalence of various disorders is predicted to increase market growth.

Emerging innovations in medical imaging technology and their adoption by service providers are expanding the market size. For instance, in May 2020, Alliance Medical and Expandable Healthcare announced the launch of Mobile Medical Plus in the U.K., a mobile imaging unit with an in-patient facility. Furthermore, the market is likely to grow over the forecast period due to the increased prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders, which necessitates the use of advanced medical imaging technologies for diagnosis. As per the International Agency for Research on Cancer, about 457,960 new cancer cases were diagnosed in the U.K. in 2020, with 179,648 fatalities in the same year.

With the adoption of modern imaging technology, the number of imaging service providers in the U.K. is rapidly increasing. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), hospitals had around 7.8 MRI units and 9 CT units installed per 1,000,000 population in 2020. Furthermore, the rising frequency of CT scans in the U.K. is predicted to boost the overall market growth. According to the same source, CT scans were performed in U.K. hospitals at a rate of 103 per 1,000 people in 2019. The low cost of CT scans compared to MRI scans is also expected to increase their uptake.

In order to grow their services and presence, the market's leading competitors are undertaking various efforts such as acquisitions and funding of medium and small-sized organizations. For instance, in March 2021, Fortius Clinic, U.K.'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. In July 2020, Rutherford Health entered into a partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, to provide diagnostic services through a new diagnostics facility in Somerset, England. The diagnostics facility is expected to offer a variety of diagnostic services and assist in the delivery of test results.

Scope of The Report

Modality Insights

MRI held the largest revenue share of about 33% in 2021. This service provides better soft tissue contrast than other imaging services and can be useful in diagnosing a wide variety of diseases and conditions and therefore help in effective surgical treatment planning. Advances in technology are further expected to increase the demand for these services. In January 2020, In a partnership with Siemens Healthineers, InHealth Group launched an application of syngo Virtual Cockpit technology at Frimley Park Hospital. This will assist in remote scanning as well as the rapid transfer of specialized knowledge between MRI scanners, resulting in enhanced access to clinical experts, increased efficiency, and a better patient experience.

CT scan is expected to witness considerable growth during the forecast period. The main benefit of this imaging modality is that it allows for detailed imaging of bone, blood vessels, and soft tissues. Additionally, this service is available at affordable costs and consumes less time in comparison to other modalities. Several population-level screening programs are being implemented as part of an increased emphasis on cancer prevention and early detection; and CT is used primarily as part of the lung health check program.

End-use Insights

The hospital segment held the largest share of nearly 48% in 2021 owing to the adoption of advanced imaging modalities. For instance, in September 2021, Hexham General Hospital installed the Inhealth MRI scanner with a partnership between Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Since the installation, over 300 patients visited for important diagnostic scans each month. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of various medical conditions, such as cancer and cardiac disorders is also expected to boost the segment growth. As per the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2020, around 457,960 new cancer cases were diagnosed in the U.K., and the cases are expected to reach 1,514,320 by 2030.

The diagnostic imaging centers segment is expected to expand at a lucrative rate during the forecast period, owing to increasing partnerships and acquisitions between diagnostic imaging centers and other healthcare organizations. For instance, in March 2021, Fortius Clinic, the U.K.'s single largest orthopedic group, 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 the end-use segment. 

Key Players

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

Market Segmentation

• By Modality Outlook

• X-rays
• CT Scans
• MRI Scans
• Ultrasound
• Nuclear Medicine Scans
• By End-use Outlook
• Hospitals
• Diagnostic Imaging Centers
• Others