Updated
29 December 2025
Queen Square Imaging Centre (QSIC) is a diagnostic imaging service operated by Q.S. Enterprises Limited, a subsidiary of the University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Charity. The service provides magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging to both NHS and private patients. It is co-located with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and benefits from close operational links with the trust.
We carried out an announced comprehensive inspection of diagnostic imaging services on 24 October 2025. We inspected all five key questions: safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led.
The service was previously inspected in October 2018 and rated as ‘requires improvement’. During this assessment, the overall rating improved to ‘good’. The domains of safe and well-led changed from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘good’, while effective, caring, and responsive remained ‘good’.
How we carried out the inspection: The inspection team included a CQC inspector and a specialist advisor. The team spent time on site at the registered location and reviewed evidence submitted by the provider. We interviewed leaders and spoke with staff, including radiographers and radiologists. We reviewed clinical records, policies, audits, risk registers, and governance documentation. We also spoke with patients using the service and reviewed their feedback. Further details on our inspection approach are available on the CQC website.
Updated
28 November 2025
The service was observed to be clean, well-organised and equipped with modern imaging technology, including a 3T MRI scanner and a GE Revolution EVO CT scanner. Staff demonstrated competence and confidence in their roles, and patients reported positive experiences, including feeling safe and well cared for. Patients were supported with additional time and adjustments when required.
The service operated under a block contract with the NHS. NHS patients were scheduled to be seen monthly, and patients had access to same-day appointments when needed. Turnaround times for reporting were monitored.
Governance structures were in place, including a board that met bi-monthly and included senior charity representatives. However, there were gaps in assurance around practising privileges and Disclosure and Barring Service verification, which are required under national guidance. Risk assessments and a risk register were maintained and reviewed. The service had achieved the United Kingdom Accreditation Service’s (UKAS) accreditation and maintained a business continuity plan.
Staff training compliance was high among locally employed staff, and competency frameworks were in place. However, radiologists worked under practising privileges, with Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and mandatory training managed by the NHS trust; the provider did not hold direct evidence of these checks.
Overall, the service demonstrated strengths in patient care, staff competence, and partnership working, but required improvements in governance assurance and environmental safety.