AI software is now installed on more than half of compatible NHS MRI scanners, the UK government has shared. The technology, along with the introduction of 125 new CT and MRI scanners, has been credited with playing a role in delivering one million more scans per year.
AI-powered MRI technology is supporting services to carry out an average of 14 percent more scans “while maintaining image quality”, the government reports. This is in turn enabling the creation of thousands of additional appointments. It highlights that AI acceleration software is now installed on 54 percent of compatible NHS MRI scanners.
According to the government, every trust in the country will now be given the opportunity to upgrade compatible MRI scanners by 2029. A full roll out, it suggests, would allow for the delivery of around 162,000 more checks every year. Stephen Harden, president of the Royal College of Radiologists, welcomes the announcement, stating: “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.”
The government shares data showing that each month so far in 2026 has set a new monthly record for diagnostic activity, pointing to improved cancer waiting times and a reduction of 250,000 in overall waiting lists for elective care since July 2024.
The publication of the National Cancer Plan for England earlier this year saw the government commit to billions of pounds worth of investments in areas like digital diagnostics, with a goal of saving 320,000 more lives by 2035 and delivering 9.5 million additional tests by 2029. Along with the digitising of imaging services and the deployment of AI acceleration tech, £2.3 billion is to be invested over the next three years to build “many more” new CDCs and bring community diagnostics to more people, advancing the neighbourhood health service.
Wider trend: AI diagnostics
The North West Radiotherapy Network, made up of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; has published a research strategy setting out priority actions for data, AI, automation, and digital systems over the next five years. The ambition, the network provides, is to create a research ecosystem capable of delivering more equitable radiotherapy through collaboration and innovation, with common principles for the radiotherapy research community, and a “local where possible, centralised when required” approach.
AI enabled breast cancer screening is reportedly helping patients at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT), thanks to the introduction of a new scanner funded by £40,000 from the Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity. The AI enabled HER2 tissue scanning system works by capturing high resolution digital images of breast cancer tissue samples, using an AI algorithm to help pathologists assess HER2 status by detecting the presence of the HER2/neu gene that can be a cause of breast cancer, the trust shares.
An NHS cancer innovation programme has been launched with the aim of improving productivity, managing demand or capacity in cancer care pathways, and supporting earlier detection and diagnosis of cancer through screening or diagnostic tools. Two funding models are offered to support varying stages of innovation maturity and overcome barriers to adoption, with the first offering up to £3 million over a maximum of 24 months for single UK or EU organisations with “demonstrable partnerships” with NHS organisations in England and an independent evaluation partner. The second model is open to ICBs or cancer alliances based in England as the lead applicant, offering up to £5 million over the first 24 months of a project lasting a maximum of 36 months.
