“Having a DEXA scanner in Hexham means more convenient access to the specialist care our communities deserve,” said Marion Dickson OBE, executive director of Clinical Support and Cancer Services at Northumbria Healthcare. Patients who need a bone density scan currently travel to North Tyneside or Wansbeck; for many with mobility issues or long‑term conditions, that trip is challenging.

The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed funding for 20 DEXA bone scanners in 2025/26, a £2.6m programme to speed up diagnosis and cut waits. The package includes six additional units to expand capacity and 14 replacements for ageing machines. Sites named include Hexham General Hospital and Seacroft Hospital in East Leeds, with the Humber Health Partnership also on the list.

DEXA - dual‑energy X‑ray absorptiometry - measures bone mineral density. It is widely regarded as the gold‑standard test for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk. Bringing scanners closer to where people live means results sooner and, crucially, treatment earlier.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, tens of thousands of patients - particularly post‑menopausal women and older people - will benefit from faster access. The programme builds on a first wave of 13 scanners announced last year; 10 are already in use and helped deliver over 16,000 extra DEXA scans in 2025 versus 2024, with live sites including The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, Mid Yorkshire and the Northern Care Alliance.

“Too many women are suffering painful, preventable fractures because osteoporosis is diagnosed too late. That has to change,” said Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, arguing the rollout will modernise services and prevent illness earlier.

“Osteoporosis and other bone conditions can have a devastating effect,” said Dr Lesley Kay, NHS National Clinical Director for Musculoskeletal Conditions. “Improving access to this specialist technology will make a real difference to people’s lives.” She underlined that DEXA remains the diagnostic gold standard across the NHS.

Professional bodies welcomed the kit but warned against assuming hardware alone will fix the issue. The Society of Radiographers said “achieving meaningful impact requires more than new equipment”, calling for sustained support for diagnostic radiographers and assistant practitioners so services can keep pace with rising demand.

“We welcome this investment in DEXA scanners. Early diagnosis is essential,” added Craig Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society. He urged ministers to publish the plan for nationwide Fracture Liaison Services so every positive scan leads seamlessly to treatment and fracture prevention.

In Leeds, Radiology Team Manager Louise Koplick said, “The new scanner at Seacroft Hospital will provide a real boost to DXA services.” She noted the Trust has scanned more than 7,000 patients this year supported by the new fleet, with Seacroft set to ease pressure at Leeds General Infirmary and Wharfedale and to cut the need for additional spine X‑rays.

For the North East and Yorkshire, the direction is simple: bring diagnostics closer to home so people aren’t waiting, worrying or travelling long distances for a simple test. With International Women’s Day on 8 March in sight, this expansion reads as a practical step - but its success will rest on staffing, local pathways and follow‑through.