MRI scanner to be switched on from Monday

Minister Peter Burke has this week met with staff and management in the Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar and visited the new radiology unit, which is now home to the newly installed MRI scanner and associated infrastructure.

The minister said he was delighted to get the opportunity to view the results of years of community work and support for the hospital.

“It was fantastic to see the new building officially handed back to the hospital after construction was 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 operational.

“In total, I understand over €1.3 million was raised to purchase the scanner, and this 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 the 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.”

“I understand the magnet will be turned on next Monday, after which point the building will be restricted to staff and patients only.”