- Independent hospital
HCA Healthcare UK The Harborne Hospital
Assessment report published 15 June 2026
Contents
Ratings - Diagnostic imaging
Our view of the service
The Harborne Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, is a relatively new facility located in Birmingham, it opened in January 2024. The hospital provides a range of specialist services, including diagnostic imaging. The diagnostic imaging service supports both privately funded patients and those referred through an NHS pathway. Imaging services include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, mammography, X-ray and fluoroscopy, alongside other diagnostic imaging procedures used to support clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning.
The on-site assessment of the diagnostic imaging service took place on 20 and 21 January 2026. We assessed 33 quality statements across the key questions of safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led to determine the rating.
During the assessment we spoke with staff, leaders, service users and stakeholders. We reviewed care records, policies, and other documentation relevant to the service.
This is the first rating of this newly registered service. We rated the service as good.
The diagnostic imaging service was rated good overall, demonstrating strong performance across most areas. The service maintained a positive safety culture, with systems in place for reporting incidents, sharing learning and managing complaints. Staff were trained in safeguarding, infection prevention and other mandatory training relevant to their roles. The environment was clean, well maintained and equipped to support the safe delivery of imaging services.
Care was person-centred, and staff treated patients with kindness, dignity and respect. Patients told us they were given clear explanations about their scans and felt involved in decisions relating to their care. Staff worked collaboratively with colleagues across the hospital and with external partners to support patient pathways and ensure timely access to diagnostic imaging.
While most areas met a good standard, some shortfalls were noted in monitoring and improving outcomes. The absence of audits for booking delays hindered targeted improvements. Despite these issues, patient feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with high confidence in staff and timely care delivery. Overall, the service demonstrated a strong commitment to safety, quality, and patient experience.
People's experience of this service
Patients were positive about the staff treating them with warmth and kindness and providing effective care and treatment. Patients with protected characteristics felt supported. Patients told us they were given time to ask question about their procedure and staff had checked they understood what they were having done.