Nuffield Health has undertaken a £1m upgrade of diagnostic suites at its Derby and Edinburgh hospitals.

The improvement work in the CT suites will boost diagnostic capacity at the hospitals, which together offer more than 100,000 imaging tests a year, including for conditions such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal issues, and neurological conditions.

Along with the refurbishment of the buildings, they are newly 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, 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 set-up is engineered to make patients feel more at ease.

In addition, inbuilt 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, 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.

“What’s particularly pleasing about the new CT system we’re 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, our radiographers will be freed up from the more manual tasks, enabling them to focus on caring for our patients.”

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