Brian O'Shea
Question:33 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children when MRI scan facilities will be provided at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19799/97]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
As the Deputy will be aware, currently there are five MRI scanners in Ireland, four in Dublin and one at Cork University Hospital. Of the four MRI scanners in Dublin, the only public MRI scanner currently in service is located at Beaumont Hospital. The fifth MRI scanner located at Cork University Hospital is privately owned.
The Department has been aware for some time of the need to carry out an overall assessment of MRI scanning facilities in the public hospital service. Accordingly, an expert study of the existing arrangements for the provision of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilities nationwide and likely future demand in this area was carried out by Professor David Banta, MD, MPH, an international expert in health technology assessment. Professor Banta identified the need to develop MRI facilities at University College Hospital, Galway, St. James's Hospital and the new Tallaght Hospital, with the Galway location as the top priority. A timescale of three years is envisaged for the programme of enhancement for MRI facilities at the three sites. Professor Banta's recommendations have been adopted by the Department. As soon as the MRI programme is completed on the basis of Professor Banta's recommendations the need for future MRI facilities can be examined.