'Gamechanging' AI helps improve MRI availability

Spire Healthcare has invested in AI to create more MRI diagnostic capacity for patients, reduce scan time and improve image quality.

(c) Spire Healthcare

(c) Spire Healthcare

The private healthcare provider invested in installing the technology in 21 hospitals in 2025.

Chris Gunn, director of diagnostics, Spire Healthcare, said: ‘Investing in AI enabled MRI scanners is a gamechanger in terms of improving availability for patients, reducing the time they are required for the diagnostic test and enhancing image quality.

This technology also allows staff to focus even more on the human connection; to recognise any anxiety and help patients through the experience.'

Through the roll out, Spire Healthcare has reduced scan times for certain orthopaedic MRI studies, for example knees, from around 30 to 15 minutes.

In addition, scan rates have increased from 1.9 to 2.3 per hour bringing the average patient wait time down to 3.5 days.

The company is working with a variety of software partners, including Siemens, Deep Resolve, Philips, Smart Speed and GE, on the AI implementation.

 

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