MRI scanner ‘hit by Stormont impasse’

MRI scanner ‘hit by Stormont impasse’

29 June 2022

THE political impasse at Stormont is being blamed for the delay in delivering a new MRI scanner at the Downe Hospital.

Stormont health minister, Robin Swann, has confirmed that budgetary issues, as a result of the delay in forming a new Executive, are causing the delay in finally delivering the new scanner.

He confirmed the news to South Down MLA Colin McGrath who has been lobbying for the provision of the high tech diagnostic equipment.

“This is an important investment for the people of Down and Mourne,” said McGrath. “Far too many people are having to travel long distances for diagnostic tests and having to wait for far too long for their appointments.

“The delivery of an appropriate MRI scanner at the Downe would alleviate such pressures and help local people. The business case for the equipment has passed all the critical stages and now needs to be funded.”

Mr McGrath said the health minister has confirmed to him that due to the current budget problems, as a result  of a new Executive not being formed, the provision of the new scanner is being delayed.

“That is unacceptable,” he declared.

“Let’s not forget that an MRI scan can help identify brain tumours, traumatic brain injury, developmental anomalies, multiple sclerosis, stroke, dementia, infections and the causes of headache. The earlier such health problems are identified then the better equipped we are to deal with them.”

Mr McGrath said political parties which “cause and perpetuate” the lack of an Executive would do well to think of the needs of their constituents, rather than their own narrow political agenda.  

“If only they had early identification prior to 2016 as to the havoc Brexit would bring then we may have been able to prevent such issues,” the MLA suggested.

“My SDLP colleagues and I and other fully pro-EU parties consistently made this point and the DUP is now reaping the reward of its obstinacy and blinkered vision. However, I will continue to stand up for all in South Down and seek delivery based on need.”

In May, the chief executive of the South Eastern Trust told a meeting of the Down Community Health Committee that she hopes plans for the new MRI scanner would come to fruition.

Ms Roisin Coulter also confirmed that the new scanner would require capital funding from the Department of Health to commission the new service. 

Ms Coulter said the provision of the new scanner would be “absolutely fantastic” for the Downe, confirming that she has looked at the feasibility of installing the high-tech equipment and is confident she can provide staff to operate it.

“We recently had a visit from the health minister who was blown away by the hospital and could not believe it. The Downe is a fantastic facility and he was able to see all areas fully occupied.

“Maybe we could fit the MRI scanner within the existing space or add a small extension. We lobbied Mr Swann to help us secure the equipment,” she told campaigners.

The trust chief also revealed that a CT scanner which was fitted at the Downe when it opened in 2009 was the most modern of its kind in Ireland at the time, confirming that it has now been upgraded to provide state-of-the-art imaging facilities.

Ms Coulter added: “We will do our best to maximise every opportunity for investment in this health trust. If we can say ‘yes’ to investment in services, they do need to be commissioned centrally, but if there is an opportunity, I would say that is something we could do and I will maximise every opportunity to seek that investment and recruit the staff to deliver services.”