MRI scanner to arrive in Monaghan within 18 months

A new MRI scanner is set to be up and running in Monaghan Hospital within the next 18 months.

For years, all acute CT and MRI services for both counties have been concentrated at Cavan General Hospital. While staff in Cavan currently operate two CT scanners and one MRI scanner, Monaghan Hospital has neither.

Last year,management at the local hospital group formally applied to the HSE National Procurement Service for the provision of an additional machine for Monaghan. This has been granted.

“It is envisaged that the project will be completed in 18 months,” a HSE spokesperson has confirmed.

Campaigners have long argued that placing an MRI scanner in Monaghan would better serve the people of the county directly and also relieve mounting pressure on Cavan’s radiology services.

Cavan General Hospital’s existing MRI scanner, meanwhile, underwent upgrade works towards the end of last year under the HSE National Equipment Replacement Programme.

“Cavan and Monaghan Hospital currently have one MRI machine located in Cavan General Hospital,” the spokesperson added.

“Cavan and Monaghan will then have two MRI machines. One located in Cavan General Hospital and the other located in Monaghan Hospital.”