Society of Radiographers emphasises ‘urgent need’ for new equipment in Scotland

Figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests by Scottish Labour have revealed the age of diagnostic equipment in Scotland.

The widely accepted benchmark age at which equipment should be replaced is 10 years, but information obtained by SoR from the Scottish Radiology Transformation Programme (2023) identified that of the 329 X-ray machines, CT and MRI scanners, 106 are more than a decade old.  

Recent information obtained via the Freedom of Information (FOI) requests demonstrates that figure now stands at 123 diagnostic machines over 10 years old in Scotland.

Now the Society is calling for a national programme to upgrade and maintain Scotland’s diagnostic scanning equipment.

'Urgent need for new equipment'

Charlotte Beardmore, SoR executive director of professional policy, said: “Our members in Scotland frequently express the urgent need for new equipment.

“The widely accepted benchmark age at which equipment should be replaced is 10 years. Older equipment is unreliable, requires expensive maintenance, is often operationally slower and delivers a higher radiation dose to the population than more up-to-date devices.

“More modern equipment also provides enhanced images and is installed with AI and assistive technology, which reduces imaging time and delivers a better experience and outcomes for all patients.”

Figures from the FOI demonstrate that NHS Grampian is using an MRI scanner which is 15 years old, while one of its X-ray machines is 27 years old.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), meanwhile, has six MRI scanners that are more than a decade old, including three more than 15 years old, and 26 X-ray machines that are more than a decade old, including 21 more than 15 years old.

'Our crumbling NHS is otherwise unrecognisable'

Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Dame Jackie Baillie said: “Patients might be forgiven for thinking they’re in the Scottish remake of Back To The Future when they learn how old the machines providing vital medical information actually are.

“Sadly, under the incompetent SNP our crumbling NHS is otherwise unrecognisable from the mid-2000s when patients could walk in the door expecting to be seen.

“The UK Labour Government delivered a record budget settlement to Scotland – the SNP must ensure that hospitals are able to invest in the latest technology to reduce waiting times and ensure that patients get the quick and accurate diagnoses they need.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The 2025-2026 Scottish Budget provides a record £21 billion for Health & Social Care, including £16.2 billion for NHS Boards to deliver key services and £200 million to help reduce waiting times and improve capacity.” 

However, this funding is non-recurring.

Ms Beardmore emphasised that investment in new and additional equipment is needed to meet ever-growing demand, but that without increases in radiography staffing, this demand will not be met.

(Image: Dame Jackie Bailie, by Ken Jack/Getty Images)