It has been confirmed that the MRI scanner secured for Monaghan Hospital will be operational by May 2027.
HSE Dublin and North East issued a statement to local Sinn Féin TD Cathy Bennett, who had asked for clarity in a parliamentary question posed to the health minister.
The HSE confirmed that following the approval of all necessary documentation covering both design and funding, the scanner will become operational 'within an estimated 18-month timeframe.'
Local TD Cathy Bennett has welcomed the news, however she explains the 'refusal of the HSE to meaningfully engage and to think that 18 months is acceptable' has been 'incredibly frustrating.'
She says she intends to challenge Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill on the restoration of a CT and other services at Monaghan Hospital 'at the next earliest opportunity.'
Full statement from Cathy Bennett TD:
“I welcome confirmation from the HSE this week that they hope to have MRI services up and running in our local hospital within 18-months.
“The stripping of services, and in particular the closure of Accident and Emergency, from Monaghan Hospital was an egregious mistake that has not served our community well – as called out at the time by former Sinn Féin TD, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin.
“Over many years, alongside my party colleague Matt Carthy TD, we have been advocating for the restoration and enhancement of services that excessive waiting lists in Cavan Hospital clearly illustrate are necessary.“What has been incredibly frustrating has been the refusal of the HSE to meaningfully engage and to think that 18 months is acceptable – in the first instance denying there was an urgent need with excessive waiting lists in Cavan, but also in their refusal to conduct a feasibility study which would have illustrated the impact this would have and costings involved.
“Ultimately, this is an issue of the government parties of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael not being willing to provide the funding necessary to prioritise adequate healthcare within our own community.
“But where this is also positive is that the same tired arguments have been used in attempts to explain away why we can’t have a CT or other services restored or enhanced in Monaghan hospital – and I fully intend to challenge the Minister in relation to this at the next earliest opportunity.”
