'Small shortfall' in funding for MRI scanner as work begins

There remains a "small shortfall" in the funding required for the MRI scanner at the hospital in Mullingar, as work starts on the project.

This weekend following HSE confirmation of the news, John McGrath, chairman of Friends of Regional Hospital Mullingar, said: “We are delighted at the announcement that construction for the MRI has commenced, and the community will be able to finally benefit from this service by the end of next year.

“There is still a small shortfall in the funding required due to the passage of time, we would encourage the public to donate, if possible, through our iDonate page."

In a statement, the HSE said it has entered into contract with the successful contractor, who is to start works on site this week.

It is anticipated that construction works will be complete by ​early Q4 2022.

An onsite MRI scanner at RHM is a vital diagnostic service for the people of the midlands, the HSE said. The MRI scanner and facility incorporating anaesthetic facilities will provide essential imaging for both adults and children, and for critically ill ICU patients who attend the Regional Hospital Mullingar. A significant number of patients are currently referred for an MRI from Mullingar hospital each year.

The MRI Capital Project at Regional Hospital Mullingar would not have been possible without the tremendous fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Hospital, achieved with outstanding support from the communities of Westmeath, Longford, and the wider milands area.

Kay Slevin, manager of Mullingar hospital, said: “This is a fantastic development for the hospital and the community we serve. I would like to thank the Friends of Regional Hospital Mullingar for their continued work, generosity, and ongoing support of the hospital.

"Having a state-of-the-art diagnostic MRI on site will further improve the quality of patient care provided to our patients, enabling us to further provide the safest quality patient centred care in Mullingar.”

There remains a "small shortfall" in the funding required for the MRI scanner at the hospital in Mullingar, as work starts on the project.

This weekend following HSE confirmation of the news, John McGrath, chairman of Friends of Regional Hospital Mullingar, said, “We are delighted at the announcement that construction for the MRI has commenced, and the community will be able to finally benefit from this service by the end of next year.

“There is still a small shortfall in the funding required due to the passage of time, we would encourage the public to donate, if possible, through our I-Donate page."

In a statement, the HSE said it has entered into contract with the successful contractor, who is to start works on site this week.

It is anticipated that construction works will be complete by ​early Q4 2022.

An onsite MRI scanner at RHM is a vital diagnostic service for the people of the midlands, the HSE said. The MRI scanner and facility incorporating anaesthetic facilities will provide essential imaging for both adults and children, and for critically ill ICU patients who attend the Regional Hospital Mullingar. A significant number of patients are currently referred for an MRI from Mullingar hospital each year.

The MRI Capital Project at Regional Hospital Mullingar would not have been possible without the tremendous fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Hospital, achieved with outstanding support from the communities of Westmeath, Longford, and the wider milands area.

Kay Slevin, manager of Mullingar hospital, said: “This is a fantastic development for the hospital and the community we serve. I would like to thank the Friends of Regional Hospital Mullingar for their continued work, generosity, and ongoing support of the hospital.

"Having a state-of-the-art diagnostic MRI on site will further improve the quality of patient care provided to our patients, enabling us to further provide the safest quality patient centred care in Mullingar.”