Nuffield Health invests £1m in AI-enabled CT suites

Not-for-profit hospital provider Nuffield Health has announced a major investment in AI-enabled computed tomography (CT) systems at its Derby and Edinburgh hospitals.

The Revolution Ascend CT system from GE HealthCare includes in-built deep-learning image reconstruction, which provides clearer imaging – allowing patients to receive answers sooner, while exposing them to up to 82% less radiation.

Arthur Stephen, orthopaedic surgeon at Derby Hospital and chief medical officer at Nuffield Health, said: “With the NHS under sustained pressure and waiting lists at record levels, we have the capacity and the desire to do more. 

“This investment in our diagnostic services will further enable us to work alongside our colleagues in the NHS to deal with rising waiting lists.”

The new CT system also has an integrated 3D camera which positions patients more quickly, enabling faster diagnostics with a more comfortable patient experience. 

Stephen added: “By integrating the AI features, our radiographers will be freed up from the more manual tasks, enabling them to focus on caring for our patients. 

“We 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 our service, and the experience patients receive while in our care.”

The CT systems will contribute to each hospital’s diagnostic capacity, which together offer more than 100,000 diagnostics imaging tests a year for private and NHS patients, including for conditions such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal issues, and neurological conditions.

Along with the full refurbishment of the diagnostic suites, this represents a £1 million investment in patient care. 

The investment is part of a broader collaboration with GE HealthCare, which will see Nuffield Health invest £200m in AI-enabled diagnostic imaging technology across its UK hospital network. 

Each CT system comes with sustainability passports detailing its limited use of rare materials, recyclability, and reduced energy consumption.

Government figures, published on 11 July 2024, revealed that the UK continues to have lowest number of MRI units, CT and PET scanners per million population amongst comparator countries.

The Labour manifesto promised to introduce a ‘Fit for the Future’ fund to double the number of CT and MRI scanners and bring in AI-enabled scanners.