Scottish patients are being diagnosed and treated using MRI scanners, CT scanners, and X-ray machines that are decades old, Scottish Labour has warned, raising concerns over patient safety and efficiency within the NHS.
Figures obtained by the party through freedom of information legislation reveal that some hospitals in Scotland are using diagnostic imaging equipment well beyond its recommended lifespan. NHS Grampian, for example, is currently operating an MRI scanner that is 15 years old and an X-ray machine that has been in service for an astonishing 27 years.
Similarly, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is relying on an MRI scanner and a CT scanner that are 18 and 19 years old, respectively. In total, NHSGGC has six MRI scanners that have been in use for over a decade, with three of those surpassing 15 years. Additionally, the health board is still using 26 X-ray machines that are more than ten years old, including 21 that have been in operation for over 15 years.
NHS Tayside is facing a similar situation, with an MRI scanner, a CT scanner, and two X-ray machines that are all over 15 years old.
Labour criticises SNP’s NHS failures
Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Dame Jackie Baillie has criticised the Scottish National Party (SNP) government for failing to invest in modern medical equipment, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
The warning from Labour comes amid growing pressure on NHS Scotland, which has faced criticism over lengthy waiting times, staff shortages, and an ageing hospital infrastructure.
Radiographers call for urgent equipment upgrades
The Society of Radiographers (SoR) has also raised concerns over the outdated imaging equipment being used in Scottish hospitals.
Charlotte Beardmore, SoR’s 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 ten 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.”
Medical professionals have repeatedly warned that outdated diagnostic equipment not only risks delays in treatment but could also result in less accurate diagnoses. In particular, older machines often require more frequent maintenance, leading to longer downtimes and further exacerbating NHS backlogs.
Scottish government defends NHS investment
The Scottish Government has defended its record on NHS investment, insisting that it has committed significant funding to modernising equipment and upgrading hospital facilities. A spokesperson said:
“We recognise the importance of ensuring that NHS Scotland has access to the most up-to-date medical technology. That is why we have invested millions in upgrading diagnostic imaging equipment across the country.
“In recent years, we have allocated funding to replace outdated machines, and we will continue to prioritise investment in technology that improves patient outcomes.”
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However, opposition parties and medical professionals argue that these commitments are not enough, given the scale of the problem.
Calls for immediate action
Scottish Labour and the SoR are now urging the Scottish Government to act immediately and allocate additional funding to replace outdated imaging machines.
Dame Jackie Baillie has called for a clear strategy to modernise NHS Scotland’s diagnostic infrastructure, arguing that without urgent intervention, patient care will continue to suffer.
“Our NHS staff are working tirelessly, but they need the right tools to do their jobs effectively. The SNP must take responsibility and ensure that no patient in Scotland is forced to rely on outdated medical equipment for vital scans and diagnoses,” she said.
With the NHS already facing significant strain, the debate over outdated medical equipment is likely to intensify in the coming weeks, putting further pressure on the Scottish Government to act before the situation worsens.
