Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce delays in access to diagnostic imaging for patients experiencing severe pain and inability to work while awaiting MRI scans.

The Government recognises the impact that delays in diagnostic imaging can have on patients, particularly those in severe pain or unable to work.

We are taking a range of steps to improve access to imaging, including expanding capacity through community diagnostic centres (CDCs). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a core test within CDCs and at present we have 143 MRIs in 125 sites that provide it, having delivered nearly 2.9 million MRI tests since 2021. We have also funded new MRI scanners to increase access and availability to MRI scanning.

We are also supporting the National Health Service to increase workforce capacity, make better use of existing diagnostic equipment, and prioritise patients based on clinical need. These measures are helping to reduce waiting times and ensure patients with the most urgent needs are seen as quickly as possible.

To support people with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions more broadly, we are working to deliver the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) MSK Community Delivery Programme. GIRFT teams are working with health system leaders to reduce community MSK waiting lists. Patients with MSK conditions will also soon be able to directly access community services, including physiotherapy, pain management, and orthopaedics, in the NHS App. The landmark change will deliver faster treatment for the flare up of existing conditions, including arthritis, backpain, and joint pain.