Vol. 472 No. 1
126 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of MRI scanners that are currently available in hospitals in the Republic; the private and public hospitals that are in possession of such scanners for comparative purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22457/96]
127 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the largest acute general hospital in the country, St. James's Hospital in Dublin 8, has no MRI scanner; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that patients must be transferred to Beaumont Hospital when MRI scans are required; if his attention has further been drawn to the inconvenience caused to patients; and the additional cost for staff who must accompany patients; if he intends to supply an MRI scanner for St. James's Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22458/96]
128 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health the cost to his Department of transferring patients from acute general hospitals for MRI scans to Beaumont, Blackrock and St. Vincent's Hospitals; if he has satisfied himself with this arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22459/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 126, 127 and 128 together.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging facilities in the public hospital sector are available at Beaumont Hospital. This facility was provided on the basis that it would serve both public and private patients, with private patients paying a charge for the service. Private MRI facilities are also available at the Mater Private Hospital, St. Vincent's Private Hospital, the Blackrock Clinic, and on the campus of Cork University Hospital. While my Department does not routinely collect information regarding the cost of transferring patients for MRI scans, the Deputy will appreciate the need to balance factors such as cost against the considerable capital and staffing costs which would arise in connection with the provision of additional MRI scanning facilities.
However, I have had a review of the current availability of MRI technology in Ireland conducted and am currently examining options for further diffusion of MRI facilities in the Irish health service, taking into account all relevant factors. I hope to have consideration of this review finalised in the near future and to be in a position to make a decision on developments in this area.
