A replacement MRI scanner, which cost €1.9m to upgrade and install, has come into operation at University Hospital Galway. The first patients to use the MRI scanner had their scans carried out just before Christmas.
Susan Coyle, Radiographer Services Manager at the hospital said the old MRI scanner was 18 years old.
“We have gone from having one of the oldest MRI scanners in the country, to having the newest. The new equipment delivers better quality images, a wider range of images and the scan times themselves will be quicker.
“MRI technology has advanced greatly since our old MRI was installed. The new machine will enable us to carry out cardiac MRI scans, which will allow us to see the movement of the heart and diagnose conditions such as valve disease.
“We will also be able to do full body diffusion scans to detect multiple myeloma, a type of cancer. We have now have the capability to do dedicated high resolution musculoskeletal scans and contrast angiography of renal and lower limbs,” she said.
“In short, we will have access to more information to help diagnose illnesses and conditions in our patients.
“We carry out around 5,000 MRI scans every year. This includes the scans that take place in-house and also the scans carried out by private companies on our behalf and access to a second MRI scanner in UHG, as part of a service level agreement.
Ms Chris Kane, General Manager, Galway University Hospital said the previous MRI scanner had reached end of its life.
“We urgently needed to replace it so that we could continue to provide access to MRI scans for both patients who are in hospital and those who require an MRI scan as an outpatient.
“Funding for the new MRI scanner came through the national Equipment Replacement Programme and included the necessary building works to remove the old MRI and install the new one.
“This was a significant project given the location of the MRI room, the size of the equipment that had to be removed and replaced, the safety considerations around electromagnetic shielding and other technical specifications, all while ensuring minimum disruption to other hospital services,” she said, adding that the project took three months to complete and was finished on schedule.
“The new scanner will greatly enhance the quality of service we provide to patients here in Galway and throughout the West and North West.”
