The formal opening of a new MRI unit to the rear of Athlone Primary Care Centre has been welcomed by local councillor, Frankie Keena.
Under the auspices by Affidea Diagnostics Ireland, the MRI unit is now operational with GPs, consultants and physiotherapists referring patients for use of this medical service.
Noting the opening of the MRI unit as a “good news story”, Cllr Keena stated that the opening of the medical service in Athlone reduces the need for patients to travel to a general hospital to have such diagnostic scanning completed.
“As we all know, having to go for a MRI scan can be an anxious time for the individual with stress and anxiety to the fore. This fantastic medical facility will now save people the cost and inconvenience of having to travel outside of Athlone for their scans, as from now on thanks to Affidea, this service is available within our community.
“Attending hospitals can add further stress with long waiting periods and now I am glad to say that this facility provides a great alternative away to acquire an MRI scan away from the busy hospital settings.
“Athlone MRI will accept patients under the HSE GP Direct Access Scheme which was established to provide patients with easier access to diagnostics in a timely manner. As well as having this welcome medical service open in Athlone, the major benefit is that it is free for the full population of patients over 16 years of age. In other words, it is free of charge to all GP referred patients within that age bracket,” Cllr Keena commented.
Cllr Keena noted his pleasure to meet with Muireann Feirteir, Head of Business Development & Marketing, as she addressed the all Ireland investment programme being implemented by Affidea.
“Affidea, is one of Ireland’s leading providers of diagnostic imaging, out-of-hospital services and day case surgery on the island of Ireland with 19 clinical facilities, it has invested in a range of healthcare facilities and services across the island of Ireland in 2023 which has led to the creation of 60 new jobs nationwide. As a result, the company now employs over 400 professionals who provide medical services to over 300,000 patients in Ireland annually.
“This multi-million euro investment, spread over the past 12 months, includes the installation of eight new MRI machines nationwide, allowing Affidea to conduct 60,000 additional MRI scans per year. With new MRIs deployed in Athlone, Mallow, Drogheda and Limerick, patients in these areas can now expect faster access to much needed diagnostic imaging. We are delighted to be able to provide this service to the people of Athlone and the surrounds.
In 2021 Affidea launched an online booking platform which makes us the first to provide a fully digital innovative pathway for patients from referral to report. Patients can access their images and report through our patient app, a fully GDPR compliant system, which eliminates the need for excessive paperwork. Patients require a referral from their GP, Physio or Consultant in order to get an MRI scan,” Ms Feirteir remarked.
Cllr Keena stated that it was his wish to secure additional medical facilities for Athlone as the “town and its residents deserve to have such services”.
“I wish to thank Affidea for choosing Athlone as a location for its MRI unit and hopefully the company will further develop its medical services in Athlone in future times,” Cllr Keena concluded.
