Cllr Paul Hogan Calls For Urgent Clarification from MRH and Minister for Health on Mullingar MRI Machine

Cllr Paul Hogan, Westmeath has called for urgent clarification on ndependent Ireland Councillor Paul Hogan has today issued concern about the future of the
publicly funded MRI scanner at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar. Cllr. Hogan
said that he was contacted by a member of staff and numerous members of the public to say that the MRI scanner would be out of operation from Wednesday the 31 st of July until further notice.

Cllr. Hogan said:
“The town of Mullingar and those from the region who access services in the Midland
Regional Hospital, Mullingar owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Friends of Mullingar
Hospital group who raised over €1 million to purchase the scanner. The scanner was
purchased on the basis that the Government would construct a building to house the scanner as well as €1.6m towards the operating costs of the scanner.

“This scanner, which only officially opened last February, has enabled on-site diagnostics rather than sending patients elsewhere for scans. So, today’s news that the MRI scanner is out of use until further notice has come as a shock to the community and region. “I share the concern of the people who have contacted me. The people of this region deserve universal first -class health services and clarity is now needed on the future of this scanner as a matter of urgency.

“I am calling on the management to outline the reason for ceasing the operation of this
necessary service until further notice. I am also calling on the Minister for Health and the
Government to reaffirm their commitment for the future of this scanner at the Midland
Regional Hospital, Mullingar and the operating and maintenance of the scanner going
forward. There may be an operational issue but those in power and those managing the service need to inform people to allay the fears of people living in the region.