title: MRI scanner used by NHS Grampian is 15 years old

Figures obtained by the party through freedom of information legislation show NHS Grampian is using an MRI scanner which is 15 years old

Health organisations have expressed concern over the age of some of the diagnostic imaging equipment being used in Scottish hospitals, with an MRI scanner at one health board reaching 15 years old.

Figures obtained by the Scottish Labour party through freedom of information legislation show one MRI scanner at NHS Grampian is 15 years old, while one of its X-ray machines is 27 years old.

At NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), one MRI scanner is 18 years old and one CT scanner is 19 years old.

In total, NHSGGC 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.

NHS Tayside has an MRI scanner and CT scanner and two X-ray machines that are more than 15 years old.

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.”

The Society of Radiographers (SoR) has also expressed concern over the age of some of the diagnostic imaging equipment being used in Scottish hospitals.

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.”

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.”