Progress on MRI scanner this week
The good news for the thousands of people who contributed to the fundraising for an MRI scanner at Mullingar hospital is that the process of commissioning it has begun.
The fundraising effort was led by the Friends of Regional Hospital Mullingar, whose members, along with local TDs, visited the site of the new machine last week.
John McGrath, chairperson of the Friends of Regional Hospital Mullingar, welcomed the major step forward in the process.
“He said staff interviews have been held, letters of confirmation are going out, and when staff training is complete, the machine will be completely operational.”
Robert Troy, TD, joined the meeting of the Friends of Regional Hospital Mullingar last week. He said: “We were told of the HSE sanction of a new consultant post in this area.
“This is extremely positive news and what many of us have been waiting to hear.
“Full credit goes to the team at Mullingar hospital, who have progressed this, to the Friends of the Hospital, who drove the fundraising efforts, and of course to the many people who gave so generously.
“We can now look forward to this much needed service benefiting our community into the future.”
His constituency colleague, Minister Peter Burke, was also present on the tour, and also met hospital staff and management. “It was fantastic to see the new building officially handed back to the hospital after construction has been completed.
“Friends of Mullingar Hospital deserve huge congratulations for driving this project and sticking with it over the years. The wider Westmeath community have supported the committee and the fruits of their labour will soon be seen on a daily basis once the MRI unit is operationalised.
“In total, I understand over €1.3 million was raised to purchase the scanner, and that is backed up by government investment of over €8 million to construct the building and associated equipment as well as €1.6 million, which will be the operating costs.
“The provision of MRIs in Mullingar will make life much easier for local patients, as well as for staff in the hospital who can carry out their own diagnostics and not have to send patients elsewhere.
“It’s an exciting chapter for Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar, for the incredible staff who work so hard, as well as for patients who use the hospital. We owe a debt of gratitude too to the Friends of Mullingar Hospital, as this project would not have been envisioned without them.”