Why Diagnostics Is the NHS Procurement Hotspot in 2025

Diagnostic services are no longer a “nice‑to‑have” in NHS hospitals — they’re expanding rapidly, and the growth presents clear opportunities for suppliers. Here’s why diagnostics is a strategic category, and how suppliers should respond.

The numbers behind diagnostics

According to recent data from NHS England, 100 of their community diagnostic centres (CDCs) now offer 12‑hour, 7‑day service. These CDCs, located outside hospital settings, are delivering millions of additional tests and scans each year.

What this means: each scan or test requires consumables, equipment, servicing, logistics, possibly IT/integration. Suppliers in diagnostics face rising demand and a shifting environment.

Why suppliers should take note

Diagnostic equipment and consumables remain high‑cost, high‑value, and often complex to service. Suppliers operating in:

• Imaging equipment (MRI, CT)

• Radiology/ultrasound consumables

• Pathology kits and logistics

• Maintenance and service contracts are increasingly under pressure to deliver quality, uptime, and integrated service, not just units.
  In this growth area, a supplier that can demonstrate reliability, regulatory compliance, and flexible service (even in weekend or extended hours settings) stands out.
  

A roll‑up opportunity

From our vantage point at NHMS, diagnostics is a compelling roll‑up target category. Here’s why:

• Fragmented supply market: many smaller suppliers servicing individual Trusts or regional labs

• High recurring service or consumables spend

• Strong demand tailwind (new CDCs, extended hours, increased scanning)

• Opportunity for scale: combining companies can deliver national coverage, standardised service, and stronger procurement relationships. For hospitals, working with a single platform—backed by scale and depth—reduces procurement complexity.