While no specific assessment has been made of diagnostic imaging turnaround time guidance and the needs of patients with a recognised terminal diagnosis or the impact of separate reporting time standards, the Government is committed to reducing waiting times for all patients and expects providers to communicate findings in a compassionate manner.

NHS England has established diagnostic reporting turnaround time guidance that applies to all patients. For diagnostic imaging tests, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans, the guidance states that verified reports should be available within four weeks of image acquisition. Performance against turnaround times is monitored through routine national reporting. In addition, cancer pathways are supported by national cancer waiting time standards, including the Faster Diagnosis Standard, which aims to ensure that patients receive a diagnosis or have cancer ruled out promptly following an urgent suspected cancer referral. The Faster Diagnosis Standard applies to urgent referrals for suspected cancer recurrence.

We are developing a Modern Service Framework (MSF) for Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care. The MSF is a clinically led, evidence-based framework to support sustained improvement in outcomes for patients and carers, including by systematically identifying, measuring, and reducing health inequalities, and reducing unwarranted variation in access, experience, and outcomes. Further metrics and associated targets will build on the 2029 ambitions set out in the Neighbourhood Health Framework.

While no specific assessment has been made of diagnostic imaging turnaround time guidance and the needs of patients with a recognised terminal diagnosis or the impact of separate reporting time standards, the Government is committed to reducing waiting times for all patients and expects providers to communicate findings in a compassionate manner.

NHS England has established diagnostic reporting turnaround time guidance that applies to all patients. For diagnostic imaging tests, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans, the guidance states that verified reports should be available within four weeks of image acquisition. Performance against turnaround times is monitored through routine national reporting. In addition, cancer pathways are supported by national cancer waiting time standards, including the Faster Diagnosis Standard, which aims to ensure that patients receive a diagnosis or have cancer ruled out promptly following an urgent suspected cancer referral. The Faster Diagnosis Standard applies to urgent referrals for suspected cancer recurrence.

We are developing a Modern Service Framework (MSF) for Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care. The MSF is a clinically led, evidence-based framework to support sustained improvement in outcomes for patients and carers, including by systematically identifying, measuring, and reducing health inequalities, and reducing unwarranted variation in access, experience, and outcomes. Further metrics and associated targets will build on the 2029 ambitions set out in the Neighbourhood Health Framework.

The average waiting time for patients to receive diagnostic results is tracked and published using the Diagnostic Imaging Dataset (DIDS).

The median number of days from request to test for diagnostic imaging, including computed tomography scans, for 2025/26 is available on table two at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostic-imaging-dataset/diagnostic-imaging-dataset-2025-26-data/

This covers diagnostic imaging in all settings, including emergency referrals, which in most cases would have been delivered on the same day. Data from June 2026 is not yet available, but NHS England is implementing improvements to DIDS in 2026/27 and data for May will be published in due course.

The number of computed tomography (CT) scanners and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners in National Health Service hospitals is published by the National Imaging Data Collection (NIDC) asset register.

The published NIDC data does not cover data from 2015 or 2020, but the latest published data shows that there were 656 MRI scanners and 757 CT scanners across England in 2024/25. The publications for 2022/23 to 2024/25 can be found at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostic-imaging-dataset/national-imaging-data-collection/

The 2025/26 NIDC closes for submissions shortly, with publication of this data expected later this year. Published data is shown by NHS provider, both acute and specialist NHS trusts, by integrated care board, and by imaging network.

There is no published data showing the number of computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners in use on 4 July 2024 and 14 May 2026.

Data on the number of CT and MRI scanners in use can be found in the Diagnostics Imaging dataset at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostic-imaging-dataset/national-imaging-data-collection/

The Department recognises that too many patients are waiting too long for diagnostic services, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, and we are determined to change this. We have demonstrated our commitment to transforming diagnostics through a £2.3 billion investment into diagnostic capacity, which will provide the National Health Service with the tools they need to diagnose cancer faster and earlier.

In April, we announced our plan to open four new community diagnostic centres (CDCs) during the 2026/27 period and the expanding and enhancement of 32 existing CDCs using a £237 million of investment. This investment will help to tackle waiting times for MRI and CT scanners and will bring care closer to the community.

The Department recognises that too many patients are waiting too long for diagnostic services, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, and we are determined to change this. We have demonstrated our commitment to transforming diagnostics through a £2.3 billion investment into diagnostic capacity, which will provide the National Health Service with the tools they need to diagnose cancer faster and earlier.

In April, we announced our plan to open four new community diagnostic centres (CDCs) during the 2026/27 period and the expanding and enhancement of 32 existing CDCs using a £237 million of investment. This investment will help to tackle waiting times for MRI and CT scanners and will bring care closer to the community.

The Government is committed to improving outcomes for people with rare and less common cancers, including brain tumours, and to ensuring that patients benefit from effective innovations as quickly and safely as possible.

The Department is working with NHS England to consider how procurement approaches can better support earlier access to diagnostics and treatments for rare cancers, including for brain tumours. The plan sets out that we will explore new procurement routes in 2026 and we will publish an annual report on progress against the commitments in the National Cancer Plan.

To support timely adoption and rollout of approved diagnostic innovations, NHS England is strengthening cancer pathways and making greater use of digital tools to identify bottlenecks and delays. This includes expanding the use of the Federated Data Platform to all trusts to support clinicians and operational teams to consolidate multiple frontline operational systems into a single view, facilitating more effective and efficient clinical and operational decisions.

The Department is also supporting the deployment of diagnostic innovations through national investment, including focusing the £21 million AI Diagnostic Fund on the deployment of technologies in key, high-demand areas such as chest X-Ray and chest CT scans to enable faster diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in over half of acute trusts in England.

NHS England will continue to work with Regions and Cancer Alliances to support providers to adopt effective innovations and to improve pathway performance, including targeted support for challenged trusts and pathways.

NHS England is responsible for commissioning prostate‑specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radiotracers for positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET‑CT) imaging for adults with high‑risk primary or recurrent prostate cancer. The commissioning policy, published in February 2025, sets out that PSMA PET‑CT should be available as a routinely commissioned imaging option within defined clinical criteria.

NHS England undertook an assessment of current service provision, clinical evidence, and projected demand. This included reviewing existing PET‑CT activity across regions to identify variation and to ensure that projected activity volumes for prostate cancer aligned with current patterns of use and expected regional need. NHS England also considered evidence on current provision and expert advice when determining its recommended commissioning position.

With respect to the modelling assumptions underpinning projected PSMA PET‑CT activity levels, NHS England’s assessment drew on a review of clinical evidence, expected diagnostic pathways, and forward‑looking estimates of the number of patients with high‑risk primary or recurrent prostate cancer who would meet the criteria for PSMA PET‑CT. The Clinical Panel and commissioning groups considered evidence on current provision, anticipated future utilisation, and the role of PSMA PET‑CT where conventional imaging leaves clinically important uncertainties. These assessments are reflected in the policy documentation and supporting evidence reviews published by NHS England.

The commissioning policy documents including the Clinical Panel report, Evidence Review, and associated materials, are publicly available on the NHS England website at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/psma-radiotracers-in-petct-imaging-for-individuals-with-high-risk-primary-or-recurrent-prostate-cancer/

NHS England is responsible for commissioning prostate‑specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radiotracers for positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET‑CT) imaging for adults with high‑risk primary or recurrent prostate cancer. The commissioning policy, published in February 2025, sets out that PSMA PET‑CT should be available as a routinely commissioned imaging option within defined clinical criteria.

NHS England undertook an assessment of current service provision, clinical evidence, and projected demand. This included reviewing existing PET‑CT activity across regions to identify variation and to ensure that projected activity volumes for prostate cancer aligned with current patterns of use and expected regional need. NHS England also considered evidence on current provision and expert advice when determining its recommended commissioning position.

With respect to the modelling assumptions underpinning projected PSMA PET‑CT activity levels, NHS England’s assessment drew on a review of clinical evidence, expected diagnostic pathways, and forward‑looking estimates of the number of patients with high‑risk primary or recurrent prostate cancer who would meet the criteria for PSMA PET‑CT. The Clinical Panel and commissioning groups considered evidence on current provision, anticipated future utilisation, and the role of PSMA PET‑CT where conventional imaging leaves clinically important uncertainties. These assessments are reflected in the policy documentation and supporting evidence reviews published by NHS England.

The commissioning policy documents including the Clinical Panel report, Evidence Review, and associated materials, are publicly available on the NHS England website at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/psma-radiotracers-in-petct-imaging-for-individuals-with-high-risk-primary-or-recurrent-prostate-cancer/

NHS England is responsible for commissioning prostate‑specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radiotracers for positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET‑CT) imaging for adults with high‑risk primary or recurrent prostate cancer. The commissioning policy, published in February 2025, sets out that PSMA PET‑CT should be available as a routinely commissioned imaging option within defined clinical criteria.

NHS England undertook an assessment of current service provision, clinical evidence, and projected demand. This included reviewing existing PET‑CT activity across regions to identify variation and to ensure that projected activity volumes for prostate cancer aligned with current patterns of use and expected regional need. NHS England also considered evidence on current provision and expert advice when determining its recommended commissioning position.

With respect to the modelling assumptions underpinning projected PSMA PET‑CT activity levels, NHS England’s assessment drew on a review of clinical evidence, expected diagnostic pathways, and forward‑looking estimates of the number of patients with high‑risk primary or recurrent prostate cancer who would meet the criteria for PSMA PET‑CT. The Clinical Panel and commissioning groups considered evidence on current provision, anticipated future utilisation, and the role of PSMA PET‑CT where conventional imaging leaves clinically important uncertainties. These assessments are reflected in the policy documentation and supporting evidence reviews published by NHS England.

The commissioning policy documents including the Clinical Panel report, Evidence Review, and associated materials, are publicly available on the NHS England website at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/psma-radiotracers-in-petct-imaging-for-individuals-with-high-risk-primary-or-recurrent-prostate-cancer/

The Government is committed to expanding access to diagnostic imaging, including computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA), through investment in new and expanded community diagnostic centres and wider imaging capacity.

Improved access to CTCA supports earlier and more accurate diagnosis of coronary artery disease and can contribute to pre-transplant assessment. In the context of heart donation, CTCA may be used selectively to assess donor heart suitability, particularly in higher-risk donors. NHS Blood and Transplant is currently progressing work to improve access to CTCA in selected donors to support safe decision-making and potentially improve organ utilisation.

The Government continues to prioritise and support access to computed tomography scanning services. Through ongoing capital investment in computed tomography assets, we have seen an 11% increase in the total number of computed tomography scanners recorded across the country, from March 2023 to March 2025. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostic-imaging-dataset/national-imaging-data-collection/

No recent assessment has been made of trends in the level of regional variations in waiting times for diagnostic imaging appointments.

We are committed to transforming diagnostic services and are supporting the National Health Service to increase diagnostic capacity to bring down the size of the list and reduce waiting times, including for imaging diagnostic tests.

The Government is committed to increasing access to Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) scans and other nuclear medicine for cancer diagnosis, primarily by boosting overall diagnostic capacity.

As part of the diagnostic capital allocation from the Spending Reviews between 2021 and 2026, five schemes have been funded to replace aged computed tomography or SPECT-CT scanners with new SPECT-CT scanners for a total investment of £6.2 million. The benefits include increased throughput of patients, lower radiation doses, faster scans, reduced sedation of patients, and improved image quality.

SPECT-CT bids are also within the scope of the 2026 Spending Review multi-year diagnostic capital process, which is ongoing.

We are committed to transforming diagnostic services and will support the National Health Service to increase diagnostic capacity to bring down the size of the list and reduce waiting times, including investment in new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners. Speeding up waiting times for diagnostic tests is a crucial part of reducing overall waiting times and returning to the referral to treatment 18-week standard.

The 2025 Spending Review confirmed over £6 billion of additional capital investment over five years across new diagnostic, elective, and urgent care capacity. This includes £600 million in capital funding for diagnostics in 2025/26 to support delivery of the NHS performance standards. This funding will deliver new community diagnostic centres, including new MRI and CT scanners, new scanners in acute hospital settings, as well as replacements of the oldest CT and MRI scanners. Further details and allocations will be set out in due course.

The Health Innovation Network (HIN) fosters partnerships with industry and the NHS to accelerate the evaluation, adoption, and spread of health innovations, including diagnostics. This is why the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan and the Life Sciences Sector Plan make explicit commitments to continue funding and empowering the HIN.

Ensuring patients receive their diagnostic test results quickly is a priority for the Government. NHS England’s guidance, published in August 2023, sets out that imaging reports must be provided within four weeks, or 28 days, of image acquisition. All National Health Service providers and imaging networks are expected to meet this standard. The guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/diagnostic-imaging-reporting-turnaround-times/

Achieving this relies on good digital connectivity, IT infrastructure, home working solutions, and approved insourcing models established across imaging departments and networks. That is why the Government is investing in digital diagnostic transformation through NHS England’s Diagnostics Digital Capability Programme, which ensures that networks have a core set of digital capabilities to improve the quality, safety, and productivity of care.

The 2025 Spending Review settlement commits to a major transformation of care delivery, moving from analogue to digital systems, hospital to community-based care, and from treatment to prevention. To support this, the NHS productivity plan is backed by a nearly 50% increase to NHS technology and digital transformation spend in 2025/26, totalling up to £10 billion by 2028/29.

NHS England has also formed 22 imaging networks across the country to improve the quality, safety, and productivity of care, and to accelerate test reporting through digital investment.

The Elective Reform Plan, published on 6 January 2025, sets out a whole system approach to hitting the 18-week referral to treatment target by the end of this Parliament including transforming and expanding diagnostic services to reduce waits for test results.

No assessment has been made on the potential merits of offering computed tomography (CT) scans to former miners. As set out in the recently published Men’s Health Strategy for England, we will expand the existing Respiratory Pathways Transformation Fund initiative by investing an additional £1 million this year through the Oxfordshire Health Innovation Network to develop targeted case-finding initiatives in former coalfield areas, such as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This will help us to identify the individuals who need support to access appropriate local services. Investigations such as CT scans will be considered for those reporting symptoms in areas in which we are targeting support, if clinically appropriate.

I want to convey to the noble Lord our ambition in this area. I completely accept the point he makes—although not all of them—about the challenge of diagnosing rarer cancers, including brain tumours. Research is absolutely vital. Last September, we announced new research funding opportunities, bringing the brain cancer research community together, because we want to drive step change for patients in the way the noble Lord seeks. Funding decisions will arise from this call, and announcements are expected imminently.

My Lords, I thank the Minister for promising us a cancer plan by the beginning of next year. I hope it will be forthcoming, because it will be good to look at how cancer care will change. Regarding brain tumours, the problem is that the symptoms are often vague and mild, so early diagnosis is much more difficult. We need more research into the early diagnosis of tumours. Furthermore, we need much more research than the numbers mentioned by the Minister. One of the success stories, one hopes, in 2026 will be drug gene therapy and viral immunotherapy, which will be put through clinical trials early next year to treat glioblastoma, the major brain tumour killer. I hope we will have more funding, because £30 million, £40 million or even £50 million will not do.

I take the point the noble Lord makes, and I am sorry to hear of his son’s—and of course his family’s—experience. One of the things we are working on is increasing public awareness of brain cancer research opportunities. That is not quite the same as the point the noble Lord made, but extending that through the NIHR’s “Be Part of Research” initiative is important. The national cancer plan will give us the opportunity to review what communications and campaigns we run with the public. That will be a good opportunity to consider the point he makes.