The machines will help diagnose fragile bones earlier and prevent painful, life-changing fractures, particularly among older people and women.
The funding covers six additional scanners to expand capacity and 14 replacement machines to modernise outdated equipment with improved image quality for patients.
The scanners - known as DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) machines - measure bone density and are the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk.
Trusts receiving the new DEXA scanners are:
- North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
- West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Barts Health NHS Trust
- Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
- University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust
- University Hospital Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
- Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Humber Health Partnership
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Northumbria-healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
- Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
- Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
The funding builds on the first wave of 13 scanners announced last year, 10 of which are already in use and helping patients start treatment sooner. Last year, more than 16,000 extra DEXA scans were delivered compared to year prior (2024).
Health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, said: ‘Too many women are suffering painful, preventable fractures because osteoporosis is diagnosed too late. That has to change.
‘These new scanners will help thousands of patients get tested sooner, start treatment earlier and avoid the trauma of life-changing breaks.'
Dr Lesley Kay, NHS national clinical director for musculoskeletal conditions, said: ‘Osteoporosis and other bone conditions can have a devastating effect on patients, so improving access to this specialist technology will make a real difference to people's lives.
‘These scanners are the diagnostic gold standard and now tens of thousands more people will be diagnosed at an early stage and treated more quickly, as well as prevented from suffering broken bones.'
The investment supports the government's 10-Year Health Plan to cut waiting times, modernise diagnostic services and shift the NHS from treating sickness to preventing illness.
The government will continue working with the NHS and partners to strengthen bone health services - from early diagnosis and fracture prevention to follow-up care - so patients receive the right support, wherever they live.
In response, Society of Radiographers president, Katie Thompson, said: ‘The Society of Radiographers welcomes the government's investment in 20 new DEXA scanners, recognising the important role this will play in strengthening bone health services and supporting faster, more accurate diagnosis across England. This announcement represents a positive step toward earlier identification of osteoporosis and improved prevention of avoidable, life‑altering fractures.
‘However, achieving meaningful impact requires more than new equipment. Recent assessments show that many bone health services/fracture liaison services, are already under significant pressure, with rising demand placing additional strain on existing teams. To ensure this investment delivers its full benefit, it must be accompanied by sustained support for the radiography workforce — including diagnostic radiographers and radiography assistant practitioners, whose expertise is critical to safe, effective service delivery.
‘With appropriate workforce investment, this programme can deliver long‑term improvements for patients and the wider healthcare system as part of the required investment in fracture liaison services.'
