AI Technology Helping to Improve Imaging and Reducing Waiting Times for MRI Patients in Fife

Back to list 25/11/2025

NHS Fife has adopted new advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology which delivers faster, more accurate, and more comfortable MRI scanning, while at the same time reduces waiting times for patients across the Kingdom.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a vital tool used in the diagnosis and assessment of a wide range of medical conditions. MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the inside of the body, and is particularly effective in scanning soft tissues areas like the brain, muscles and the vital organs.

NHS Fife has now fully adopted new MRI technology, Deep Resolve, which harnesses the power of cutting-edge AI and deep-learning algorithms to improve the image quality and speed of MRI scans. David Pirie is the service lead for MRI in Fife and explains how this technology is benefiting patients in Fife.

“MRI is relied upon across the world in helping with the diagnoses or assessment of a huge range of medical conditions. Producing high-quality images using MRI can take time which can be uncomfortable for patients, some of whom are already in pain.

“The adoption of Deep Resolve technology uses advanced AI to speed up scans and improving the clarity of the images it produces. Patients benefit from shorter appointments and fewer repeat scans, while our teams gain sharper images that support faster, more confident diagnoses.”

The technology works by reducing ‘noise’ in the images the scanner produces, which is effectively the graininess associated with traditional MRI imaging. The advanced AI increases signal strength, producing better quality images due to the greater precision it offers. The technology also allows MRI scans to be carried out more quickly in cases where patients are unable to remain within the scanner for long periods, which reduces patient discomfort while continuing to provide high quality images.

Since its introduction in Fife in March 2025, the time taken to complete an MRI scan has shortened by more than 20%, with the average scan time reduced from around 30 minutes to less than 24 minutes. The increased capacity means that almost 1,900 extra appoints were carried out in the first six months since the software was introduced, with waiting times reducing from 6 weeks to 3-4 weeks during the same period.

The technology is now fully embedded across both Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline and the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, and has also helped deliver significant cost savings, with the increased capacity meaning there has been no need to use costly third-party mobile scanners since the technology was introduced earlier this year.

“While we have only been using this new technology for a relatively short time, we are already seeing the tangible benefits for patients by helping shorten appointment times and reducing the number of those requiring repeat scans.” said Claire Dobson, NHS Fife’s Director of Acute Services.

“Crucially, this type of technology is an incredibly useful tool which, alongside the considerable knowledge and expertise of our clinicians, can help improve outcomes for patients. The reduction in scanning time using Deep Resolve is also helping us to create greater capacity within radiology, at a time when demand for diagnostics is continually rising.

“The development of Deep Resolve in Fife also aligns with NHS Scotland’s Digital Health Strategy, by integrating AI into routine care. As an organisation, we are commitment to embracing innovation and new technologies that lead to better health outcomes for the population of Fife.”

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Notes to Editors:-

Deep Resolve was developed by Siemens Healthineers - Deep Resolve.
The roll-out of Deep Resolve in Fife was made possible through additional Scottish government funding aimed at reducing waiting times.