The NHS has announced that an additional one million scans have been delivered across England, thanks to the introduction of more scanners in hospitals nationwide. This development allows patients to expect faster cancer diagnoses in the future.
Expansion of scanning capacity
NHS England published data on Tuesday, November 3, indicating that, from March 2024 to March 2026, the number of CT and MRI scanners in the NHS has increased by 125. This expansion enhances doctors' capacity to diagnose cancer and other serious conditions earlier, enabling quicker treatment for patients.
Each month in 2026 so far has set a new NHS record for diagnostic activity, and the diagnostic waiting list has decreased in three of the five months since April. Cancer waiting times have improved compared to last year, and the overall waiting list for elective care has reduced by over 250,000 since July 2024.
Impact on patient care
CT and MRI scanners play a crucial role in diagnosing various cancers, including lung, brain, breast, and prostate cancer. The increase in the number of scanners means that more patients can receive the necessary tests sooner, resulting in shorter waiting times and expedited diagnosis and treatment.
Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth said: "Getting the right diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible can make all the difference, particularly for patients with cancer and other serious conditions.
"That's why, in the face of record demand, we are expanding NHS capacity and using new technology to help more people get the tests and care they need."
The 125 new scanners and rollout of AI technology are helping deliver around a million extra scans every year, while the new Manchester and Trafford CDC with its modern facilities and cutting-edge equipment will allow people to get checked quickly and conveniently in the community."
AI technology and community centres
The introduction of AI-powered MRI technology across the NHS is significantly increasing scanning capacity. This technology allows services to perform, on average, 14% more scans while still maintaining high image quality. As a result, hospitals can create thousands of additional appointments, enabling patients to spend less time in scanners.
The newly opened Manchester and Trafford Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which launched on Thursday, 29 October, will further enhance access to essential tests and scans. This facility aims to provide patients with quicker and more convenient care closer to home.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England's national clinical director for cancer, said: "Waiting for test results can be an anxious time for anyone worried about cancer, so receiving answers sooner can make a real difference.
"By increasing access to scans and using technology to help clinicians see patients faster, the NHS is making it easier for people to get checked quickly and closer to home at a time that suits them. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more treatment options there are and the better the chance of a successful outcome for patients."
Since March 2024, 107 out of 125 new machines have been added to community diagnostic centres, which conducted over 2.3 million CT and MRI scans in the past year, nearly one million more than in the previous 12 months.
Future rollout
AI acceleration software has already been installed in more than half (54%) of compatible NHS MRI scanners. This software reduces the amount of data required to produce high-quality images, thereby speeding up scan times. The time saved can be utilised to increase the number of patients each machine can see daily, allowing the NHS to expand the number of MRI appointments nationally.
Every NHS trust in the country will receive the opportunity to upgrade compatible MRI scanners by 2029. A complete rollout would enable these existing machines to provide up to 162,000 additional checks each year.
Dr Stephen Harden, President of the Royal College of Radiologists, said: "Demand for diagnostic scans is rising, so it is vital we have the equipment and workforce to scan, diagnose and treat patients efficiently and safely. We are pleased to see the government continue to roll out newer and AI-enabled scanners that are helping to scan more patients and providing the images radiologists analyse."
