Nuffield Health unveils £1m investment in new AI-empowered CT suites, providing much-needed diagnostic capacity across Derby and Edinburgh. Nuffield Health, the UK's largest not-for-profit independent hospital provider, has unveiled a major investment in AI-enabled CT systems at its Derby and Edinburgh hospitals with the Revolution Ascend CT system from GE HealthCare. Along with the full refurbishment of the diagnostic suite, this represents a major £1m investment in patient care. It will contribute to each hospital's diagnostic capacity, which collectively offer more than 100,000 diagnostics imaging tests a year, including for conditions such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal issues, and neurological conditions. Both Derby and Edinburgh hospitals offer a comprehensive range of services to both NHS and private patients. The latest NHS England Diagnostic Waiting Times and Activity Report shows more than 1.7 million patients waiting for a key diagnostic test at the end of May 2025, while data from Public Health Scotland shows diagnostic waiting lists are 60% higher than before the pandemic. This investment in innovative technology will help to deliver faster, more accurate diagnoses - opening up much-needed capacity for patients. The new systems are equipped with innovative AI-empowered technology, offering faster diagnostics with a more comfortable patient experience. With an integrated 3D camera which positions each patient almost twice as quickly as previous models, according to GE HealthCare pilot data comparing legacy products with the Revolution Ascend CT system. Radiographers are freed up to dedicate more time to caring for patients, creating a calmer and more supportive experience. Combined with a wider bore that offers more physical space and reduces feelings of claustrophobia, the entire setup is engineered to make patients feel more at ease. In addition, in-built deep-learning image reconstruction provides clearer imaging - allowing patients to receive critical answers sooner, while exposing them to up to 82% less radiation. Arthur Stephen, Nuffield Health's Chief Medical Officer and orthopaedic surgeon at Derby Hospital, who unveiled the new system, said: "With the NHS under sustained pressure and waiting lists at record levels, Nuffield Health has the capacity and the desire to do more. This investment in its diagnostic services will further enable Nuffield Health to work alongside its colleagues in the NHS to deal with rising waiting lists. What's particularly pleasing about the new CT system Nuffield Health is unveiling today; is how much faster and more comfortable it is for patients, and more importantly the improved image quality which is excellent. By integrating the AI features, its radiographers will be freed up from the more manual tasks, enabling them to focus on caring for its patients. Nuffield Health pride ourselves on delivering not only excellent quality and standards in care, but also the highest standards in experience - and this innovative technology will further enhance its service, and the experience patients receive while in its care." The investment is part of a broader collaboration with GE HealthCare, which will see Nuffield Health invest £200 million in the latest AI-enabled diagnostic imaging technology across its UK hospital network. Underpinning the partnership is a shared commitment to sustainable healthcare, with each CT system coming with sustainability passports detailing their limited use of rare materials, recyclability, and reduced energy consumption. The collaboration will also drive investment in staff education and elevate the patient experience across Nuffield Health's hospitals. Last updated Friday 30 October 2026 First published on Wednesday 13 August 2025

The healthy benefits of AI: How an Edinburgh hospital is investing in smart scans to improve patient care. Published 29th Oct 2026, 15:49 GMT Updated 29th Oct 2026, 15:49 GMT Nuffield Health Edinburgh Hospital introduces new AI assisted MRI and CT scanners, improving imaging results and making diagnostic scanning more comfortable for patients. While AI often generates negative headlines, a practical use in a Scottish hospital is transforming the way medical imaging is delivered. Nuffield Health Edinburgh Hospital has benefited from a major investment in partnership with GE, equipping the hospital with state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging facilities. At the Colinton Road hospital, the investment has made an immediate difference in both imaging quality and patient comfort in MRI CT and DEXA (bone density and body composition) scanning, using AI technology to assist behind the scenes. Anne Perks the Radiology Manager at Nuffield Health Edinburgh Hospital, said: "Artificial intelligence is not replacing the clinical expertise of our radiographers or radiologists, it is supporting them by automating certain aspects of patient positioning and scan planning. This helps to improve workflow efficiency, enhance image quality, and support more consistent examinations. As a result, patients can spend less time in the scanner and, where appropriate, benefit from imaging protocols that optimise radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic quality. In addition, the new scanners have a wider, more spacious design that can improve patient comfort and accessibility. They also provide higher-quality images and faster scanning times, enabling more efficient examinations and supporting accurate clinical diagnosis. "We are the only private hospital offering bone density (DEXA) scans in the East of Scotland. However, our new machine goes beyond this, as it also offers detailed body composition analysis, measuring bone, muscle and fat distribution, including visceral fat and can also do bone density tests, for athletes, or test muscle mass." Muscle mass testing can be very useful in patients undergoing treatment with a GLP-1 to manage and preserve muscle and strength. Jon Foley, Consultant Radiologist, said: "This investment represents a significant step forward for diagnostic services for the area. Access to high-quality imaging plays a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of many conditions." "By bringing together some of the most advanced diagnostic technologies available, not only can we offer a wider range of scans, we can provide patients with faster access to tests, improved image quality and greater diagnostic confidence, helping people receive the right care sooner." Nuffield Health's Hospital in Edinburgh offer a range of medical specialities for both privately insured and self-pay patients. Patients can view and book available appointments online, often within as little as 24 hours. Some specialities require a referral from a doctor, but the hospital can advise. To find out more visit the hospital's website here

Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital announced as Preferred Medical Partner of Hartpury College and University. * Overview Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital is delighted to announce a new partnership with Hartpury College and University as its 'Preferred Medical Partner', further strengthening support for student and athletes across one of the UK's leading specialist education providers for sport. The partnership will bring together Hartpury's renowned expertise in sport, education and athlete development with Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital's leading clinical services, helping to provide high-quality healthcare support to students competing across a range of elite and grassroots sports. Through Nuffield Health's partnership with Chrysalis Finance, eligible Hartpury students and employees can benefit from a 24-month 0% finance option*, making it easier to access expert healthcare when they need it most. In addition, students are encouraged to check whether they can remain covered under their parents' private health insurance plans, providing further opportunities to access specialist consultations, diagnostics and treatment. Through the collaboration, Hartpury students will benefit from access to specialist medical expertise and healthcare services, supporting both performance and wellbeing throughout their sporting and academic journeys. Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital is recognised for delivering exceptional patient care across orthopaedics, physiotherapy, sports medicine, diagnostic imaging and rehabilitation, with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to helping individuals achieve their health and performance goals. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting athletes at every stage of their development, from injury prevention and diagnosis through to treatment, rehabilitation and return to play. Kate Liddington, Hospital Director at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital said: "We are incredibly proud to become the Preferred Medical Partner of Hartpury College and University. Both organisations share a commitment to excellence and helping people perform at their best. Through this partnership, we look forward to supporting Hartpury students with access to expert healthcare services that enhance wellbeing, aid recovery and help athletes remain healthy, active and performing at their full potential." Richard Mack and Head of Medical services at Hartpury College and University added: "Hartpury has a long-standing reputation for developing talented athletes and providing outstanding support services. Partnering with Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital strengthens the medical support available to our students and aligns with our commitment to delivering high-quality opportunities both on and off the field." *Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Finance is arranged through Chrysalis Finance Limited (FRN 631193). Nuffield Health (FRN 712694) is a broker, not a lender. All parties named above are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. www.chrysalisfinance.co.uk. Nuffield health does not receive commission for introducing customers to credit. Last updated Thursday 3 September 2026 First published on Thursday 3 September 2026