Breaking: funding to staff MRI unit approved this evening
Funding to staff the new MRI scanner unit at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar has been confirmed.
The Friends of Regional Hospital Mullingar, who put so much effort into raising the funds for the scanner, met representatives of the Ireland East Hospital Group this evening, and say the funding has been agreed.
It is expected to be confirmed in writing tomorrow.
John McGrath of the Friends group says he and his colleagues “are delighted”.
Minister Peter Burke, TD, and Robert Troy, TD, have been lobbing the HSE and government on behalf of the Friends group.
Minister Burke posted on social media a short time ago: “I am happy to confirm some positive news this evening – the funding to staff the new MRI unit at Mullingar Midland Regional Hospital has been approved.
“Well done to the real heroes John McGrath and his team at the Friends Of Regional Hospital Mullingar who worked so hard in our community raising vital funds to purchase the MRI scanner. It will be a huge asset to healthcare in our community into the future.”
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Deputy Troy said the issue of the scanner and its staffing was one he had raised many times on the floor of the Dáil, with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and directly with the health minister: "In fact, I brought Minister Donnelly to visit the hospital late last year.
"It is really positive and welcome news this evening, that finally the HSE have given sanction to the business case that was submitted by hospital management."
He admitted that it was unfortunate that it had "taken this length of time and a lot of effort to get it to where it is, but it's a positive news story and it's very welcome".
"I know from talking to the hospital manager that she's ready to start the recruitment process almost straight away and she hopes we will have this operational later on this year.
"It's thanks largely to the huge efforts to the Friends of the Hospital, who have coordinated fundraising events over many years, and the many people who have given so generously to purchase the scanner, and now we have the HSE honouring their commitment."