Séamus Hughes
Ceist:12 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health the reason for the increase in the number of diagnostic procedures being carried out in acute public hospitals. [6684/95]
Written Answers. - Hospital Diagnostic Procedures.
, Limerick East): Recent years have seen major developments in technology in the area of diagnostic procedures. particularly in relation to the development of medical imaging. Newer types of imaging technology such as computed tomography — CT — and magnetic resonance imaging — MRI — have become much more readily available within the health service. Such technology provides a greatly enhanced diagnostic capacity, allowing medical conditions to be identified and diagnosed more speedily and with greater accuracy than ever before.
The increased level of diagnostic procedures is evidence of the manner in which these new technologies have diffused throughout the Irish health service and, in line with the international experience, are now being used to provide more timely and appropriate care to patients.