Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 3 December 2021
108. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans for investment in additional MRI machines in County Galway; the details of analysis carried out or commissioned by his Department into the adequacy of MRI provision in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59480/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the HSE that currently one MRI scanner is operational in University Hospital Galway.
Building works commenced in September 2021 to facilitate the installation of a new second MRI machine. This will replace an existing 18 year-old machine as part of the HSE's equipment replacement programme. The old machine was in operation until mid-November, when it was removed and replaced by the new MRI machine. A 6 weeks period of commissioning is now being progressed. I am advised that the new machine will be operational in early January 2022.
Additional to that, as part of the new Radiation Oncology facility which is currently under construction at University Hospital Galway, a third MRI scanner will be provided by mid 2023.
I am also advised by the HSE that Portiuncula University Hospital has one MRI scanner on site. This MRI, which is not owned by the hospital, is a managed service that provides 1,800 scans annually for public patients. Portiuncula University Hospital can purchase more scans for public patients as required year to year.
Similarly, I am advised that a Service Level Agreement for a managed service is in operation at Merlin Park Hospital Imaging Centre providing MRI and CT scans for public patients.
