Fianna Fáil Senator, Robbie Gallagher has welcomed confirmation from the HSE Dublin and North East that the long awaited MRI scanner project for Monaghan Hospital is moving forward through the approval process.
According to the HSE, the projected capital investment for the MRI and associated enabling works is estimated at €3.2m.
Once all necessary documentation covering design and funding is approved, the project is expected to move on through the designated approval pathways with the MRI scanner becoming fully operational within an estimated 18-month timeframe.
Senator Gallagher said he was delighted to receive the update.
Speaking to Northern Sound, he said that it has been on the agenda for a number of years.
According to the senator, the MRI scanner will take 18 months, because there is a need to find a location in the hospital, which will require infrastructure to accept the scanner.
There will have to be staff assigned to the room also.
Senator Gallagher said that he would like the room to be there sooner, but that work has to be done within the HSE's timeline.
He said: "It all takes time. We would all like it there tomorrow if we could, but we have to work within the timeline that the HSE have put forward.
"Great credit must go to the local management, who had the foresight to put forward this proposal," Senator Gallagher added.
