Clinical delivery, academic rigour

We actively seek partnerships with universities to combine clinical service delivery with teaching, research and innovation. These are not bolt-on arrangements; they are embedded into how we develop sites, deploy equipment and design pathways. A university campus is, by definition, located in a community. A diagnostic centre on that campus serves students, staff and the surrounding population. It becomes a community asset, not a hospital department.

Research is a strategic priority, not a secondary activity. The shift from hospital to community diagnostics must be built on evidence. We invest in four areas: pathway effectiveness (community versus hospital pathways for speed, accuracy and experience); population health (using diagnostic data to understand health needs and support ICS planning); service innovation (pharmacist-led PSA testing, FCP-led pathways, direct-access utilisation); and AI and technology (AI-assisted reporting, digital referral pathways, clinician portals).

We pursue funding through NIHR applications, NHS England innovation funding, ICS research programmes, KTPs with matched funding and academic research council grants. Our target is to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences. Research is not something we do quietly.