Looking Ahead

Thanks to the support of The Christie Charity supporters, we are continuing to invest in the people, facilities and pioneering research that will shape the next generation of cancer care. 

State-of-the-art scanning centre 

Over the coming years, one of the most ambitious developments in The Christie’s history will begin: the construction of a state-of-the-art scanning centre on Wilmslow Road.

A render of the new scanning centre to be built at The Christie hospital.
An artist's impression of the new scanning centre

In order to diagnose and treat cancer effectively, it is vital that clinicians have access to the latest scanning technology. Advanced imaging allows experts to better understand the full extent of a patient’s disease, plan treatment more precisely, monitor progress and improve outcomes.

The current scanning centre at The Christie was built in 1980 and must be brought in line with other elements of the hospital. The new scanning centre will provide a modern, purpose-built facility with enhanced space, improved patient experience and access to cutting-edge equipment capable of supporting research which will transform the future of cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

Pathology development 

As part of this development, construction of a new pathology centre has begun, with completion currently planned for Summer 2027.

A render showing the new pathology development planned on the site of The Christie hospital on Withington Road.
A render showing the new pathology development

The new pathology facility has been designed to meet growing demand and support advances in diagnostic technology. It is the Charity’s first social investment opportunity and is being managed by Northern Pathology Developments Limited, which is a subsidiary of The Christie Charity. We hope to explore other social investment opportunities in the near future. Once operational the centre is expected to significantly increase capacity and improve turnaround times through enhanced layout, automation and more efficient workflows, without a corresponding increase in staffing. This will enable the introduction of new technologies and support improved patient outcomes. 

This will pave the way for work on the new scanning centre, which is expected to be operational in 2029. 

Total Body PET-CT scanner 

We remain committed to supporting the Trust with rapid access to high quality imaging to support cancer treatment, and investing in a state-of-the-art, high-capacity Total Body PET-CT scanner which will meet the future needs of patients and ensure that the Trust remains at the forefront of this service. 

A photo of a woman in a scanner.

There are currently only 4 of these scanners in the UK (3 in London and one in Edinburgh). Only 2 in London are focused on delivering care to NHS patients. The Total Body PET-CT scanner in Manchester will be a flagship facility for the North, demonstrating the value of state-of-the-art PET-CT in providing for a diverse population with a wide range of significant health needs. The scanner is intended to be operational by the end of 2026. 

Life-changing and life-saving research 

Your support is also helping drive forward another bold ambition: our commitment to invest £30 million in cancer research by 2030 and treble the number of patient participants. 

Studies show that cancer patients treated at research intensive hospitals have better outcomes than those treated in hospitals with little or no research activity. The next four years will see a continued focus on supporting The Christie NHS Foundation Trust’s research division and realising the potential of the Paterson research building with the aim of bringing tomorrow’s treatments to patients faster. 

Inside the Paterson research building, researchers and clinicians work side-by-side to accelerate discoveries and bring new treatments to patients faster. Supporter funding is helping researchers access world-class facilities, cutting-edge technology and develop vital clinical trials that offer hope to patients today, while shaping better, kinder treatments for the future.

Together, we are building a future where more cancers are detected earlier, treatments are kinder and more effective, and more patients can live longer, fuller lives.

Thank you for helping make that future possible.

Last updated: June 2026