Posted 11 June 2026
Hull set to become a regional hub for advanced imaging
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (HUTH) and Novartis have entered into a collaborative partnership to support diagnostic molecular imaging services and the newly launched Molecular Imaging Research Centre (MIRC) in Hull.
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (HUTH) and Novartis have entered into a collaborative partnership to support diagnostic molecular imaging services and the newly launched Molecular Imaging Research Centre (MIRC) in Hull.
The partnership will see Novartis fund a physicist post for 27 months to support the introduction of a Gallium radiopharmaceutical service and Gallium-Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging capability at Castle Hill Hospital. After this period, funding will be taken on by HUTH, supported by Daisy Appeal, which has developed and will operate the MIRC facilities.
Gallium-68 labelled radio-diagnostic agents are produced using a Gallium generator. Because the isotope has a short half-life of just 68 minutes, transport to other sites is limited, making on-site production essential. With the recent acquisition of a Gallium generator, MIRC will soon begin producing these agents for clinical use in Hull.
Dr Najeeb Ahmed, Consultant Radiologist and Clinical Lead PET/CT and Nuclear Medicine, HUTH, James Hargraves, Group Associate Chief Pharmacist, HUTH Glenn Woolley, Principal Clinical Scientist Nuclear Medicine Physics, HUTH Prof Nick Stafford, Founder and Chair of Daisy Appeal Charity, Dr Graham Wright, Consultant Clinical Scientist, Lead for Nuclear Medicine Physics, HUTH Dr Saleem Azeem, Clinical and External Engagement Director, MIRC Dr Ged Avery, Consultant Radiologist, HUTH Oliver Green, Service Development Manager, Novartis Elaine Jackson, Service Development Lead, Novartis, Rebecca Hargreaves, Quality Control Manager, MIRC Dr Louis Allott, Director of Radiochemistry (Fractional), MIRC.
Gallium-PET imaging is already widely used in the management of neuro-endocrine tumours and prostate cancer, while clinical trials across the world are exploring its use in other cancers to support patient selection and monitor response to new therapies.
Dr Saleem Azeem, Clinical Director, Molecular Imaging Research Centre
The introduction of Gallium-PET services in Hull is expected to help address regional inequalities in access to advanced diagnostic imaging. Patients from centres without these facilities will be able to access molecular imaging at Hull, supporting clinical trial participation, therapy readiness and more equitable access to specialist scanning closer to home.
Novartis is a global pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative medicines for serious diseases and improving patient care.